DESC:ASSEMBLY AND STRUCTURE WITH RIBS AND STRINGER FOR AN
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention generally relates to battery compartment and more
particularly r 5 elates to a ribs and stringer forming a battery compartment.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART AND PROBLEM IN PRIOR ART:
[002] As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, manufacturers are
constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and
10 durability while minimizing weight and energy consumption. The structural
integrity of an Electric Vehicle (EV) is crucial not only for protecting the
vehicle’s occupants but also for safeguarding vital components such as the battery
compartment.
[003] Electric vehicles (EV) are typically powered by large battery packs that
15 require careful integration into the vehicle's design. The battery compartment, in
particular, must be securely housed within the vehicle’s structure to protect it from
damage while maintaining the vehicle’s overall stability. Traditional vehicle
designs often rely on heavy materials and complex assemblies to achieve this,
leading to increased vehicle weight, reduced range, and higher energy
20 consumption. As a result, there is a need for a more efficient structural design that
can reduce weight while maintaining or even enhancing the vehicle's structural
integrity.
[004] One of the challenges in designing EVs is ensuring that the body panels
and battery compartment panels are adequately supported against various stresses,
25 including buckling and bending under load. The structural components must be
capable of distributing and managing these loads to prevent damage to the vehicle
and ensure its long-term durability. Additionally, the structural assembly should
accommodate the vehicle’s electrical and cooling systems, providing pathways for
wiring harnesses and air vents for battery cooling.
2
[005] The existing techniques have failed to provide assembly and structure for
reinforcing body panels and battery compartments in electric vehicles.
[006] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will
be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following
detailed description taken 5 into consideration with accompanying drawings in
which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY
[007] In one embodiment, a structural assembly for an electric vehicle (EV) is
disclosed. The structural assembly includes a plurality of ribs having a first arm
10 and a second arm, wherein plurality of ribs are spaced equidistantly from one
another and mounted vertically onto a chassis frame of the EV using the first arm.
Further, the structural assembly includes a body panel attached to the plurality of
ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs form part of a boundary onto which the
body panel is attached, and wherein the plurality of ribs supports the body panel
15 against buckling. Further, the structural assembly includes a plurality of stringers
forming part of the boundary onto which the body panel is attached, wherein the
plurality of stringers supports the body panel against bending under load and are
attached to the ribs to maintain the correct position of the body panel. Further, the
structural assembly includes a battery compartment panel supported by the
20 plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of ribs includes a plurality of cutouts to
reduce weight, provide channels for wiring harnesses, and provides air vents to
cool the battery compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only
25 typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be
considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in
3
accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by
way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[009] Fig. 1a-1b illustrates a perspective view of ribs for an electric vehicle,
according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] Fig. 2a-2b illustrates another perspective 5 view of the ribs assembled with a
chassis frame of the electric vehicle, according to embodiments of the present
invention;
[0011] Fig. 3a-3b illustrates a perspective view of stringers of the electric vehicle,
according to embodiments of the present invention; and
10 [0012] Fig. 4a-4b illustrates a perspective view of the ribs and the stringers
assembled with the chassis frame of the electric vehicle, according to
embodiments of the present invention; and
[0013] Fig. 5a-5b illustrates perspective view of a structural assembly assembled
with the chassis frame of the electric vehicle, according to embodiments of the
15 present invention.
[0014] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the
purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from
the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and
methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
20 of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0015] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the
drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will
25 nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as
illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in
the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and
4
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system,
methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be
limiting.
[0016] The term “some” as used herein is defined 5 as “none, or one, or more than
one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than
one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term
“some embodiments” may refer to one embodiment or to several embodiments or
to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as
10 meaning one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
[0017] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching,
and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and
does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their
equivalents.
15 [0018] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to
“includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do
NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the
possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and
furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of
20 the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language
“MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
[0019] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only
once, either way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or
more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore,
25 the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT
preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by
limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . .” or “one or more
element is REQUIRED.”
5
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or
scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood
that an embodiment is an example of 5 a possible implementation of any features
and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been
described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in
which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the
requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
10 [0022] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first
embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one
embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,”
“other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”,
“additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same
15 embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or
elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in
one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be
found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or
more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a
20 single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment,
or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or
elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or
not at all. Conversely, any feature and/or element described in the context of
separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the
25 context of a single embodiment.
[0023] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of
some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting
factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can
be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative
30 examples in the description below.
6
[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention addresses the need
for a robust yet lightweight structural assembly that supports these objectives.
[0025] Fig. 1a-1b illustrates a perspective view of rib 102 (collectively referred to
as a plurality of ribs 102) for an 5 electric vehicle, according to embodiments of the
present invention. In an embodiment, the rib 102 forms a moulded structure with a
first arm 102a and a second arm 102b perpendicular to each other.
[0026] In an embodiment, the rib 102 may be placed or position on a chassis
frame or alternatively referred to as the chassis such that a plurality of ribs may be
10 spaced equidistant from one-another and help to maintain profile of a body panel
and battery compartment panels of the EV. Thus, the rib 102 is adapted to receive
and distribute concentrated loads introduced onto the body panel and the battery
compartment panel.
[0027] In an embodiment, the rib 102 form part of the boundary onto which the
15 body panels are attached and support the body panels and stringers (not shown)
against buckling. The rib 102 also form a convenient structure onto which to
introduce concentrated loads. The rib 102 may be assembled or mounted on the
chassis or modular frame of the EV, particularly the first arm 102a is mounted on
the chassis of the EV.
20 [0028] In an embodiment, the rib 102, particularly the second arm 102b includes
plurality of cutouts or known as air vents 102c. In an advantageous aspect, the
plurality of cutouts 102c reduce weight, provide channels for wiring harnesses,
and acts as air vents to cool the battery compartment by maximizing airflow to the
battery compartment for cooling purposes. Further, the plurality of cutouts 102c in
25 each of the plurality of ribs 102 are arranged to optimize weight reduction while
maintaining structural integrity. The plurality of ribs 102 includes channels within
the ribs 102, adapted and dimensioned to accommodate specific wiring harnesses
necessary for the operation of the electric vehicle.
7
[0029] In an embodiment, the rib 102 may include a plurality of mounting
structures 102d for accommodating the stringer in each of the plurality of
mounting structures 102d.
[0030] In an embodiment, the rib 102 is constructed from a material selected from
the group consisting of aluminium, 5 steel, composite materials, and alloys, to
provide optimal strength-to-weight ratio.
[0031] Fig. 2a-2b illustrates another perspective view of the plurality of ribs 102
assembled with the chassis frame 202 of the electric vehicle 200, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
10 [0032] In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs 102 may be fastened vertically onto
the chassis frame 202 at a pre-fixed distance. Though only three ribs are
illustrated as an example scenario purpose, an ordinary person skill in the art shall
appreciate that one or more ribs may be fastened at the pre-fixed distance. The
first arm 102a is fastened to the chassis frame 202, whereas the second arm 102b
15 protrudes outward as the perpendicular structure. Particularly, the plurality of ribs
102 may be fastened vertically in a lower compartment 204 section of the EV.
Specifically, in a region where a battery of the EV is stored. Thus, the plurality of
ribs 102 along with the body panel and the battery compartment forms a housing
structure to store the battery.
20 [0033] In an embodiment, the body panel and the battery compartment panel are
attached to the plurality of ribs 102 and the stringer using fasteners selected from
the group consisting of bolts, screws, rivets, and welds.
[0034] Fig. 3a-3b illustrates a perspective view of stringer 302 of the electric
vehicle 200, according to embodiments of the present invention
25 [0035] Referring to Fig.3 the stringer 302 forms an elongated flat structure with a
plurality of perforations 302a.
[0036] Fig. 4a-4b illustrates a perspective view of the ribs and the stringers
assembled with the chassis frame 202 of the electric vehicle 200, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
8
[0037] In an embodiment, the stringers 302 may form one part of the boundary
onto which the body panel is attached and support the body panel against buckling
or bending under load and another part of the boundary is attached the ribs 102 to
hold it in the correct position. Thus, the body panel is adapted to transmit all the
5 loads into the surrounding structure and gives the electric vehicle 200 its studier &
proprietary shape.
[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the stringers 302 play a crucial role in
the structural integrity of the electric vehicle. The stringers 302 are designed to
form a significant portion of the boundary onto which the body panel of the
10 vehicle is securely attached. By serving as part of this boundary, the stringers 302
provide essential support to the body panel, specifically against forces that could
cause buckling or bending when the vehicle is subjected to various loads, such as
during acceleration, braking, or impacts. This support ensures that the body panel
remains rigid and maintains its shape, preventing deformation that could
15 compromise the vehicle's appearance and safety.
[0039] Furthermore, the stringers 302 work in conjunction with the ribs 102,
which form another critical part of the boundary. The stringers are connected to
these ribs 102, and this connection helps to keep the body panel in its correct
position. By anchoring the body panel to both the stringers 302 and the ribs 102,
20 the design ensures that the panel is held firmly in place, resisting any movement
that could occur due to mechanical stresses or vibrations.
[0040] This structural configuration allows the body panel to effectively transmit
all the loads it encounters into the surrounding structural framework of the
vehicle. Instead of the body panel bearing the load on its own, the forces are
25 distributed through the stringers 302 and ribs 102 into the vehicle's overall
structure. This load distribution is critical for maintaining the electric vehicle's
sturdiness, as it prevents localized stress points that could lead to material fatigue
or failure over time.
[0041] Additionally, this arrangement contributes to the proprietary shape of the
30 electric vehicle 200. The strategic placement and connection of the stringers 302
9
and ribs 102 allow the body panel to not only perform its structural function but
also to preserve the unique design and aerodynamic profile of the vehicle. This
ensures that the vehicle retains its intended aesthetic appeal and functional
characteristics, which are essential for both performance and market
differentiation. The 5 robust design of the stringers 302, in combination with the
ribs 102, enhances the vehicle's overall durability and contributes to a longer
lifespan, making it more reliable and attractive to consumers.
[0042] Fig. 5a-5b illustrates perspective view of a structural assembly assembled
with the chassis frame 202 of the electric vehicle 200, according to embodiments
10 of the present invention.
[0043] In an embodiment, the structural assembly 500 is a mechanical
configuration of the plurality of ribs 102, the plurality of stringers 302, the body
panel 502 and the battery compartment 504. The structural assembly 500 is
mounted on the chassis frame 200 of the EV 200. Following paragraphs explains a
15 detailed arrangement of the structural assembly 500.
[0044] In an embodiment, the ribs 102 may be fastened vertically onto the chassis
202 at the pre-fixed distance as also illustrated in the Fig.2a-2b. One boundary
profile supports the battery compartment 504 through fastener, another boundary
profile supports stringer 302 & the body panel 502 through fasteners.
20 [0045] In an embodiment, the body panel 502 is attached to the plurality of ribs
102, wherein each of the plurality of ribs 102 form part of the boundary onto
which the body panel 502 is attached, and wherein the plurality of ribs 102
supports the body panel against buckling.
[0046] In an embodiment, the plurality of stringers 302 forming part of the
25 boundary onto which the body panel 502 is attached, wherein the plurality of
stringers 302 supports the body panel 502 against bending under load and are
attached to the ribs 102 to maintain the correct position of the body panel.
[0047] In an embodiment, the battery compartment panel 504 supported by the
plurality of ribs 102.
10
[0048] In an embodiment, the body panel 502 is adapted to transmit all loads into
the surrounding structure, thereby contributing to the structural integrity and shape
of the EV 200.
[0049] In an example embodiment, the ribs 102 are strategically fastened
vertically onto the chassis 202 at 5 predetermined, fixed intervals. In an
advantageous aspect, this arrangement is crucial, as it provides consistent support
across the chassis, ensuring that the structural components remain aligned and
properly positioned throughout the vehicle’s operation. The vertical placement of
the ribs not only contributes to maintaining the EV’s 200 form but also provides a
10 strong foundation for other structural elements to attach.
[0050] Each rib 102 has a boundary profile with distinct functions. One boundary
profile is designed to support the battery compartment 504 through the use of
fasteners. In an advantageous aspect, this secure attachment is vital for protecting
the battery compartment, which houses critical power components, from
15 movement and potential damage during the EV’s 200 operation. Another
boundary profile is responsible for supporting both the stringers 302 and the body
panel 502, again through fasteners. This dual support system ensures that both the
stringers and the body panel are held firmly in place, contributing to the overall
stability and rigidity of the vehicle’s structure.
20 [0051] In an example embodiment, the body panel 502 is directly attached to each
of the plurality of ribs 102. Each of the plurality of ribs 102 forms a crucial part of
the boundary onto which the body panel 502 is attached. This attachment is not
merely for positioning but serves a critical structural role: the ribs support the
body panel against buckling. Buckling can occur when a panel is subjected to
25 compressive forces that exceed its load-bearing capacity, leading to deformation.
By securing the body panel to these ribs, the design ensures that the panel can
withstand such compressive forces without losing its shape, thereby maintaining
the EV’s 200 integrity under various load conditions.
[0052] In an example embodiment, further enhancing the structural integrity, the
30 stringer 302 form another part of the boundary onto which the body panel 502 is
11
attached. The stringer 302 play a complementary role to the rib 102, specifically
by supporting the body panel 502 against bending under load. Bending can occur
when a panel is subjected to forces that create stress along its surface, potentially
leading to deflection or warping. The stringers provide resistance to these forces,
ensuring that the body panel 5 remains straight and true, even when the vehicle is
under load, such as during acceleration, deceleration, or when navigating uneven
terrain. Additionally, these stringers are attached to the ribs, which helps maintain
the correct position of the body panel, further preventing any unwanted movement
or misalignment.
10 [0053] In an example embodiment, the plurality of ribs 102 is adapted to support
the battery compartment panel 504, ensuring that it remains securely in place
within the vehicle’s chassis. The ribs distribute the weight of the battery
compartment evenly across the structure, minimizing the risk of sagging or
movement that could compromise the EV’s 200 performance or safety.
15 [0054] Thus, structural assembly 500 ensures that the body panel 502 is not just a
passive element but an active component in the EV’s 200 structural integrity. The
body panel 502 is adapted to transmit all encountered loads into the surrounding
structure. This means that any forces acting on the body panel, whether from the
vehicle's operation or external impacts, are efficiently distributed across the entire
20 structural framework of the EV 200. This load distribution is crucial for
maintaining the EV’s 200 sturdiness and shape, ensuring that it remains durable
and capable of withstanding various operational stresses. As a result, the body
panel 502 contributes significantly to the EV’s 200 overall structural integrity,
helping to preserve its proprietary design and ensuring long-term reliability.
25 [0055] Advantages of the assembly of the present disclosure:
[0056] The invention disclosed herein addresses these challenges through the
innovative use of ribs and stringers as key structural elements within the EV’s
chassis. The ribs are strategically spaced equidistantly from one another and are
mounted vertically onto the chassis or a modular frame of the EV. These ribs form
30 part of the boundary onto which the body panels and battery compartment panels
12
are attached, providing crucial support against buckling and other stresses. The
spacing of the ribs not only helps maintain the profile of the body and battery
compartment panels but also allows for the efficient distribution of concentrated
loads, enhancing the EV’s 200 structural integrity.
[0057] In addition to their load-5 bearing function, the ribs are designed with
cutouts that serve multiple purposes. These cutouts reduce the overall weight of
the structure, contributing to improved energy efficiency and vehicle range.
Furthermore, the cutouts create channels for wiring harnesses to pass through,
simplifying the integration of the vehicle's electrical systems. The cutouts also
10 function as air vents, facilitating the cooling of the battery compartment, which is
essential for maintaining the battery's performance and longevity.
[0058] The stringers, which work in conjunction with the ribs, play a vital role in
supporting the body panels against bending under load. The stringers form part of
the boundary onto which the body panels are attached, with the other part being
15 attached to the ribs. This dual attachment ensures that the body panels are held in
the correct position and are capable of transmitting all loads into the surrounding
structure. As a result, the body panels contribute to the EV's structural integrity,
helping to maintain its proprietary shape and ensuring that the vehicle can
withstand various operational stresses.
20 [0059] Moreover, the invention's modular design allows for flexibility in
assembly and maintenance. The ribs and stringers can be pre-assembled and then
mounted onto the chassis, streamlining the manufacturing process and reducing
production costs. This modular approach also facilitates repairs and upgrades, as
individual components can be easily replaced without the need for extensive
25 disassembly.
[0060] In summary, the invention provides a robust, lightweight, and versatile
structural assembly for electric vehicles. By integrating ribs and stringers in a
strategic manner, the design enhances the vehicle's structural integrity, supports
vital components like the battery compartment, and accommodates the necessary
30 electrical and cooling systems. This innovation represents a significant
13
advancement in EV design, offering manufacturers a solution that balances
strength, weight, and functionality, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient
electric vehicles.
[0061] Some other advantages are as:
5 • Easy to assemble body panels with chassis
• Reduction in defects / rejection
• Can adapt to any change in body panels with least cost occurrence
• No complex Jigs or Fixtures required
• Semi-Skilled Manpower is enough to assemble ribs with chassis & body
10 panels with ribs.
[0062] Although the foregoing description has described the disclosure in
connection with specific components, various embodiments, and specific matters
such as drawings, these have been presented merely to facilitate understanding of
the present disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. It will be
15 apparent to those skilled in the art based on the above description that the above
embodiments can be modified and changed in various ways.
[0063] For this reason, the intention of the present disclosure should not be
limited to the above-described embodiment, but the scope of the claims and the
points modified uniformly or equally are considered to be included in the scope of
20 the present disclosure.
[0064] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended
claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should
be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be
25 interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as
“includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within
the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such
an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such
14
recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least
one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such
phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation
by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” 5 limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even
when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least
one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should
typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds
10 true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition,
even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or
15 two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include
but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
20 together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C,
etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least
one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone,
25 B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,
B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that
virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or
30 both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the
possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
15
[0065] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of
components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the
functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps
or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations.
Unless stated otherwise, 5 dimensions and geometries of the various structures
depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other
dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present
invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated
embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of
10 other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the
above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof
also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present
invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the
practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also
15 contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited
feature. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A structural assembly for an electric vehicle (EV), comprising:
a plurality of ribs having a first arm and a second arm, wherein
plurality of ribs are spaced equidistantly from one another and mounted
vertically onto a c 5 hassis frame of the EV using the first arm;
a body panel attached to the plurality of ribs, wherein each of the
plurality of ribs form part of a boundary onto which the body panel is
attached, and wherein the plurality of ribs supports the body panel against
buckling;
10 a plurality of stringers forming part of the boundary onto which the
body panel is attached, wherein the plurality of stringers supports the body
panel against bending under load and are attached to the ribs to maintain
the correct position of the body panel; and
a battery compartment panel supported by the plurality of ribs, wherein
15 the plurality of ribs includes a plurality of cutouts to reduce weight,
provide channels for wiring harnesses, and provides air vents to cool the
battery compartment.
2. The structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
20 the plurality of ribs is adapted to receive and distribute concentrated
loads introduced onto the body panel and the battery compartment panel;
and
the body panel is adapted to transmit all loads into the surrounding
structure, thereby contributing to the structural integrity and shape of the
25 EV.
3. The structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
cutouts in each of the plurality of ribs are arranged to optimize weight
reduction while maintaining structural integrity.
30
17
4. The structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channels within
the ribs are dimensioned to accommodate specific wiring harnesses
necessary for the operation of the electric vehicle.
5. The structural assembly as 5 claimed in claim 1, wherein the air vents within
the plurality of ribs are positioned on the second arm of the plurality of
ribs to maximize airflow to the battery compartment for cooling purposes.
6. The structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body panel and
10 the battery compartment panel are attached to the plurality of ribs and the
plurality of stringers using fasteners selected from the group consisting of
bolts, screws, rivets, and welds.
7. The structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs
15 is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of
aluminium, steel, composite materials, and alloys, to provide optimal
strength-to-weight ratio.
8. An electric vehicle, comprising:
20 a chassis;
a structural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of ribs are fastened vertically onto the chassis frame at predefined
spaces, and wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of stringers
collectively support the body panel and battery compartment panel against
25 buckling, bending, and other structural stresses.