Universal Battery Adapter with Sliding Busbars for Terminal Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries from different manufacturers have distinct configurations, necessitating specific adapters that increase manufacturing and inventory costs, and sourcing challenges lead to compatibility issues and production disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter with a U-shaped bracket, flanges, connecting busbars, sliding busbars, and cable connectors that accommodate various battery terminal configurations, allowing for modular connections and reducing the need for multiple adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specific adapters are manufactured for each battery type, then connection compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal bracket structure that can accommodate multiple battery terminal configurations through adjustable busbar positions and modular components, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple battery types rather than requiring separate adapters for each battery configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into modular components including the bracket, busbars, cable connectors, and terminal coupling surfaces that can be independently positioned and configured, enabling flexibility in adapting to different battery types while maintaining a standardized base structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific adapters are manufactured for each battery type, then connection compatibility is improved, but inventory carrying cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal adapter design can be used across multiple battery types and configurations, eliminating the need to maintain separate adapter inventories for different battery manufacturers and models, thereby reducing inventory carrying costs
3Reliability
If precise adapters are sourced for each battery type, then connection quality is improved, but sourcing challenges and compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable busbars and selectable terminal coupling surfaces that can be dynamically positioned to match different battery configurations, ensuring reliable connections without requiring multiple pre-configured adapter types
Solution Approach 2:
The universal adapter design enables users to configure the adapter themselves for different battery types using the modular components and adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need to source specialized adapters from multiple suppliers
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for connecting to a plurality of battery terminal configurations of a battery is disclosed. The adapter may include a bracket with a body portion and opposing flanges on opposing edges of the body portion. The bracket may be configured for mounting to a rear portion of the battery. The adapter may include a first connecting busbar and a second connecting busbar, both mounted longitudinally on the body portion and spaced apart. The adapter may include a first sliding busbar and a second sliding busbar, each configured to slidably mount within a slot of the respective connecting busbar. Each sliding busbar may include at least one terminal coupling surface configured to couple to a battery terminal. The adapter may include a pair of first cable connectors and a pair of second cable connectors, each configured to attach to an operative end of the respective connecting busbar.