Assembled Battery Abutment Alignment Using Tapered Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assembled batteries require precise alignment of the abutment member with the case and electric cells, which complicates the attaching operation and necessitates precise alignment by automatic attaching apparatus, compromising operability.
Innovation Solution
The battery design incorporates a first projection that is inserted into a gap defined by the case and adjacent electric cells to align the abutment member, allowing for easier attachment without precise alignment, with features such as tapered shape and a gap between the projection and rib to enhance insertion and prevent force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the abutment member is attached to the case without alignment features, then the structure is simpler, but the attaching operability deteriorates due to requirement for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
A projection is introduced as an intermediary alignment feature between the abutment member and the case. The projection fits into a corresponding groove on the case, serving as a mediator that guides and aligns the abutment member during attachment, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection and groove are pre-formed on the abutment member and case respectively, creating a predetermined alignment path. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the abutment member is attached, it automatically aligns with the electric cells without requiring precise positioning during the attachment operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for attaching the abutment member, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the attaching operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The projection-groove interface acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically achieves precise alignment during attachment. The geometric fit between the projection and groove ensures accurate positioning without requiring time-consuming manual alignment procedures, thus reducing attachment operation time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (projection and groove) are pre-configured on the components, so that when attachment occurs, the alignment is achieved automatically through the predetermined geometric relationship. This eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during the attachment process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the abutment member is designed without alignment features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy of electric cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the abutment member serves as an intermediary alignment element that interfaces with the corresponding groove on the case. This simple geometric feature provides the necessary positioning accuracy for the electric cells without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or multiple adjustment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is segmented into a dedicated projection feature on the abutment member and a corresponding groove on the case. This segmentation allows the positioning accuracy to be achieved through a simple, focused geometric relationship rather than requiring the entire abutment member structure to be complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
Attaching operation of an abutment member (7) to a case (4) of an assembled battery (1) is enhanced. The assembled battery (1) includes the case (4) accommodating plural electric cells (2) and the abutment member (7). The abutment member (7) is attached to an upper end opening (4a) of the case (4), abuts against the electric cells (2) accommodated in the case (4), and is positioned with respect to the case (4). The abutment member (7) includes projections (11 and 14) tapered from an upper end toward a lower end of the abutment member (7). The projections (11 and 14) are inserted into gaps between the electric cells (2) and the case (4) to align the abutment member (7) with respect to the upper end opening (4a) of the case (4).