Chassis for electric vehicle

US9346346B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gordon Murray Design Limited · GB

Inventor

• Ian Gordon Murray · Puttenham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2011
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 1, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60L53/80
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Electric vehicles usually inherit a chassis of a pressed steel construction from a conventional vehicle design. This imposes a substantial weight penalty on the vehicle. We disclose a chassis element for a vehicle, formed of an outer skin material, an inner core material enveloped by the outer skin material, and at least one array of aligned fibres, and comprising a restraint for an electrical battery adapted to locate the battery over the at least one array. There can be multiple arrays of aligned fibres, preferably disposed at a transverse angle relative to each other of less than 90°. We particularly prefer three arrays of aligned fibres, which can be disposed relative to each other at an angle of 60°. The fibres can be disposed within the skin material. The restraint ideally comprises an upstanding wall which will serve to confine the batteries in the event of a collision or other sudden movement, but will allow them to be replaced easily for maintenance purposes or to replace an exhausted set of batteries with a charged set. Alternatively, the restraint can comprise an attachment point for the battery. The core material is preferably less dense than the skin material, thereby …