Battery Cell Case Biasing Structure for Precise Terminal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices face challenges in precisely positioning multiple battery cells due to deformation variations, leading to terminal positional deviations, which are not adequately addressed by conventional structures.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device design that utilizes a case with supporting portions and elastic members or ribs to restrain and precisely position battery cells in multiple axes, eliminating the need for end plates and restraining members, while using compressible materials and biasing forces to maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the restraining structure is simplified to reduce size and weight, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positional deviation of battery cell terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the restraining structure from rigid to elastic/deformable. The elastic member is configured to deform elastically in response to battery cell deformation, maintaining continuous contact and positioning force. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to variations in battery cell dimensions while preserving positioning precision without requiring complex rigid restraining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves itself by automatically adjusting its deformation to match the battery cell's deformation. The elastic member's inherent elasticity allows it to self-regulate the positioning force, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex restraining structures. The member simply deforms with the battery cell while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional restraining structures are used to maintain positioning precision, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid restraining structures to elastic members with deformable properties. This parameter change enables the restraining element to flex and adapt to battery cell variations, maintaining positioning precision while using significantly less material and structural complexity, thereby reducing the overall weight of the power storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member functions as a flexible restraining element that can deform to accommodate battery cell variations. This flexible approach replaces heavy rigid structures with thin, lightweight elastic components that maintain positioning precision through their ability to conform to the battery cell's shape and size variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid restraining structures are used to prevent deformation, then the positioning precision is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate deformation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid restraining structure into a dynamic elastic member that can adapt its deformation state. The elastic member dynamically adjusts its shape and positioning force in response to battery cell deformation variations, maintaining reliable contact and positioning accuracy throughout the battery's operational life regardless of dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member's physical parameters (shape, length, cross-section) are designed to change within elastic limits in response to battery cell deformation. This parameter adaptability ensures continuous reliable positioning while accommodating normal operational variations in battery cell dimensions without losing contact or positioning precision.
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
The design achieves precise positioning of battery cells in multiple directions, reducing size and weight, and prevents unintended deformation and terminal deviations, enhancing structural integrity and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is provided between the side surface of the battery module and the inner surface of the case to bias the battery module toward the inner surface of the case
Implementation Method 2
a compression force is applied onto the battery module in the Y axis direction by both end plates; a compressible material is disposed between the plurality of battery cells
Data Source
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AI summary
Each of a plurality of power storage cells (110) includes an top surface (112B) provided with an electrode terminal, a bottom surface (112C) opposite to the top surface (112B), and a side surface (112D) contiguous to the top surface (112B) and the bottom surface (112C). A case (200) includes a main body (210) provided with an opening on the side surface (112D) side of the plurality of power storage cells (110), and a cover (230) provided over the opening. The case (200) has a first inner side surface and a second inner side surface each facing the side surfaces (112D) of the plurality of power storage cells (110). A power storage device (1) includes biasing means (300, 400) for biasing the plurality of power storage cells (110) toward the second inner side surface of the case, the biasing means (300, 400) being provided between the first inner side surface of the case (200) and the plurality of power storage cells (110).