Battery Cell Assembly Frame Coupling via Metal Trim Clips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell assemblies lack efficient coupling and decoupling mechanisms for frame members, making maintenance and repair difficult.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell assembly employs metal trim clip members that allow the first and second frame members, along with endcap members, to be easily coupled and decoupled using I-shaped cross-sectional profiles and apertures, enabling secure engagement and disengagement without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid coupling methods are used for frame members, then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are segmented into modular components with distinct coupling portions. Each frame member includes a rectangular ring-shaped body with integrated coupler portions that have I-shaped cross-sections, allowing the structure to be divided into separable units that can be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural integrity through the designed coupling interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion acts as an intermediary element between frame members. The I-shaped cross-sectional coupler portions with flat walls and peripheral wall portions create an intermediate coupling interface that enables strong mechanical connection during assembly while allowing for controlled disengagement, thus mediating between the need for strength and ease of assembly.
2Reliability
If permanent bonding methods are used for frame members, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The I-shaped coupler portions are designed to be insertable and removable, allowing the connection state to change between assembled and disassembled configurations. This dynamic design maintains reliable connection during operation while enabling easy disassembly for repair and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If complex coupling mechanisms are used for frame members, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler portion is merged with the frame member structure itself rather than being a separate component. The I-shaped cross-sectional coupler portions are integrated into the rectangular ring-shaped bodies, combining the frame structure and coupling mechanism into a unified design. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of assembly through the intuitive I-shaped interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell assembly having first and second frame members is provided. The first frame member has a first rectangular ring-shaped body and a first coupler portion. The first coupler portion has a first tab member with a first metal trim clip member coupled thereto. The second frame member has a second rectangular ring-shaped body and a second coupler portion. The second coupler portion has first and second substantially flat walls and first and second peripheral wall portions defining an interior region. The second substantially flat wall has an aperture extending therethrough. The first metal trim clip member is disposed through the aperture and into the interior region of the second coupler portion, and engages an inner surface of the second substantially flat wall to couple the second frame member to the first frame member.