IP Library Granted Patent US 12,533,938
Granted Patent B2
US 12,533,938 · App. 18/311,078 · Granted Jan 27, 2026

High strength steel tube reinforcement of aluminum battery case

Inventors: Ryan C. Harris (Saline, MI); Kaitlyn A. Cherniuk (Ypsilanti, MI); Weiling Wang (Livonia, MI); Todd Muck (Fowlerville, MI)
Assignees: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.; TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
B60K1/04H01M50/224H01M50/249H01M50/262H01M2220/20
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,533,938
App. No.
18/311,078
Granted
Jan 27, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods are provided securing a battery pack to a vehicle. Embodiments can comprise an internal cross member secured to a first side of the vehicle's chassis. A cooling plate can be placed on one side of the internal cross member opposite to the first side of the vehicle's chassis where the internal cross member is secured. A hat-shaped section can extend at least partially across a width of the vehicle and secured to a second side of the vehicle's chassis. A structural reinforcement member can partially surround a battery pack of the vehicle.

Claims (14)

1 . A system for securing a battery pack to a vehicle comprising:

an internal cross member secured to a first side of the vehicle's chassis;

a cooling plate placed on one side of the internal cross member opposite to the first side of the vehicle's chassis where the internal cross member is secured;

a hat-shaped section extending at least partially across a width of the vehicle and secured to a second side of the vehicle's chassis, wherein the first side is opposite the second side, and wherein the hat-shaped section comprises a hollow, elongated member open at a first end, and closed at a second end opposite from the first end; and

a structural reinforcement member at least partially surrounding a battery pack of the vehicle, wherein the structural reinforcement member and the battery pack are positioned within the hat-shaped section.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the hat-shaped section comprises an aluminum structure, and wherein the structural reinforcement member comprises a steel structure.

3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a protection plate, wherein the structural reinforcement member is secured to the protection plate.

4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the structural reinforcement member is nested between the protection plate and the vehicle's chassis.

5 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the hat-shaped section is fixed to the protection plate.

6 . The system of claim 3 , further comprising a side frame extending from a bottom of the vehicle to a top of the vehicle, wherein the structural reinforcement member is positioned between the protection plate and the side frame.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling plate is positioned between the internal cross member and the hat-shaped section.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the internal cross member comprises a base portion, wherein the base portion's length matches a length of the hat-shaped section.

9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the hat-shaped section and the structural reinforcement member are secured using a rivet nut.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the hat-shaped section tightly surrounds the structural reinforcement member on three sides.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 28, 2026
From: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
To: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Reel/Frame 074786/0005 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 2, 2023
From: HARRIS, RYAN C.; CHERNIUK, KAITLYN A.; WANG, WEILING; MUCK, TODD
To: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.; TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Reel/Frame 063511/0901 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240367498A1 · Nov 7, 2024
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