Ball Lock Bolt Fastening for Energy Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening methods for energy storage modules in motor vehicles, such as bolts and screws, result in increased installation space and high mounting costs due to protruding fastening devices and require complex setups.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ball lock bolt, clamping device, or detent device that securely fastens energy storage modules to a module carrier through a clamping connection, eliminating the need for protruding fastening elements and simplifying the mounting process by utilizing balls, clamping sleeves, or detent lugs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolts or screws are used for fastening energy storage modules, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation space increases due to protruding fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The ball lock bolt design nests the balls within the bolt structure itself, eliminating the need for separate protruding fastening elements. The balls are contained within the bolt body and only engage with the module carrier when needed, thereby securing the module without increasing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional external bolts that protrude outward, the invention inverts the fastening mechanism by integrating the locking elements (balls) within the bolt structure. This internalization of fastening elements reverses the conventional approach and eliminates space-consuming protrusions.
2Reliability
If conventional bolts and nuts are used for fastening energy storage modules, then secure attachment is achieved, but mounting expenditures increase due to complex setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ball lock bolt is segmented into distinct functional components: the bolt body, multiple balls, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball lock bolt design incorporates self-locking functionality where the balls automatically engage with the module carrier upon insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual assembly steps or additional fastening operations, thereby reducing mounting complexity and expenditures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement comprising an energy storage module, a module carrier, particularly a vehicle body, and a ball lock bolt for fastening the energy storage module on the module carrier.