Battery Case Structure for Stable Cell Support and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices, such as batteries, face challenges in reducing weight and size while maintaining stability and efficient cooling, as conventional cooling methods and structural designs do not adequately address these requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device design featuring a stacked power storage module within a case with supporting portions and recesses that facilitate direct abutment and heat transfer, allowing for reduced weight and size while maintaining stability and enhanced cooling efficiency through heat radiation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional cooling methods and structural designs are used, then cooling function is provided, but weight and size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The case integrates both structural support and cooling functions into a single component. The case includes supporting portions that directly contact the power storage cells for mechanical support, while simultaneously forming cooling chambers that accommodate cooling devices. This merging of support and cooling functions eliminates the need for separate structural components, thereby reducing overall weight and size while maintaining both mechanical stability and cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: (1) mechanical support through supporting portions, (2) cooling through integrated cooling chambers, and (3) structural enclosure. By making the case universal and multi-functional, the invention reduces the total number of components needed, leading to weight and size reduction without compromising the cooling function or structural integrity.
2Weight of moving object
If case structure is simplified for weight reduction, then weight decreases, but stability of power storage cell holding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into distinct functional regions: supporting portions for mechanical support, cooling chambers for thermal management, and recesses for cell positioning. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity. The supporting portions are strategically positioned to provide stable support without requiring excessive material, thus reducing weight while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The case employs local quality by providing structural reinforcement only where needed - specifically at the supporting portions that contact the power storage cells. Other regions of the case can be thinner or lighter. This localized strengthening approach maintains the stability of cell holding while minimizing overall material usage and weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If supporting structure is added for stable cell retention, then stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portions are merged with the case structure itself rather than being separate components. The case includes these supporting portions as integral parts, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, brackets, or separate support mechanisms. This integration maintains cell retention stability while reducing device complexity.
4Reliability
If cooling device is integrated into case, then cooling efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with pre-formed cooling chambers and recesses that are created during the case manufacturing process itself. These features are built into the case structure before the power storage cells are installed. This preliminary action allows the cooling device to be integrated without requiring complex post-assembly operations, maintaining cooling efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity.
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 a reduction in weight and size while ensuring stable cell retention and improved cooling efficiency by promoting heat transfer and convection, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer and convection
Implementation Method 3
heat radiation mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage device includes: a power storage module in which a plurality of power storage cells are stacked along a stacking direction; and a case that accommodates the power storage module, wherein each of the power storage cells in the power storage module has a main surface extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the stacking direction, and the case includes a supporting portion that supports, along the stacking direction, the power storage module accommodated in the case, and the case is provided with a recess that is provided at a position different from the supporting portion and that opens toward the main surface.