Battery Module Circuit Board Mounting With Foamed Retainer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery module assemblies face challenges in optimizing the spatial positioning of circuit boards for battery monitoring units, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and vibration damping within the battery module assembly.

Innovation Solution

The use of a foamed plastic retaining element, specifically expanded polypropylene (EPP), which provides elasticity, positional accuracy, and vibration damping, is employed between battery modules to securely position the circuit board, allowing for space-optimized placement and weight reduction, with features like recesses and fastening elements for precise mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid retaining element is used to securely position the circuit board, then positioning stability is improved, but weight increases and vibration damping capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, transforming the retaining element's physical properties to simultaneously achieve weight reduction and vibration damping while maintaining positioning stability through elastic deformation and recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and structural integrity, creating a composite-like effect that provides both mechanical support and vibration isolation capabilities in a single component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid retaining element is used to securely position the circuit board, then positioning stability is improved, but vibration damping capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidvibration damping

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, transforming the retaining element's physical properties to simultaneously achieve weight reduction and vibration damping while maintaining positioning stability through elastic deformation and recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful vibration energy into beneficial elastic deformation of the elastomeric retaining element, which then dissipates the energy through internal friction and hysteresis, transforming vibration harm into a damping mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If metal retaining elements are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight advantage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, transforming the retaining element's physical properties to simultaneously achieve weight reduction and vibration damping while maintaining positioning stability through elastic deformation and recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient space utilization, effective vibration damping, and weight reduction by using foamed plastic retaining elements to securely position circuit boards between battery modules, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the battery module assembly.

Implementation Method 1

foamed plastics have a high damping constant, so that the retaining elements made of foamed plastic can dampen vibrations acting on the circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The fastening element can be an expansion dowel with a resilient expansion section. The expansion section can be arranged in a hole in the retaining element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240421442A1Battery module assembly and method of mounting a circuit board of a battery management system in a battery module assembly

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 DEUTZ AG

AI summary

Battery module assembly including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having one or more battery cells, a circuit board of a battery monitoring unit, and a retaining element which has a receptacle in which the circuit board is arranged, where the retaining element is arranged between the first battery module and the second battery module.