Battery Cell Connection Structure for Shock Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage devices face issues with shock transmission between electrode assembly sets when a shock is applied to one of the cells, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a shock absorbing portion between power storage cells connected by a connection portion, which can include bent portions, elastic members, or dampers to absorb and inhibit shock transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power storage cells are connected in series in the arrangement direction, then electrical connectivity between cells is achieved, but shock transmission between adjacent cells occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidshock transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorbing portion is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent power storage cells. This portion includes a bent portion formed in the connection portion, which acts as a mediator that absorbs shock while maintaining electrical connectivity. The bent portion deforms under shock loading, preventing direct shock transmission between cells while preserving the series electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion is designed with a bent geometry that changes its mechanical properties. The bent portion has reduced stiffness compared to a linear connection, allowing it to deform and absorb shock. This parameter change in the connection structure enables it to serve dual functions: maintaining electrical connectivity while absorbing mechanical shock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a linear connection portion is used between cells, then structural simplicity is maintained, but shock absorption capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidshock transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portion incorporates a bent portion with curved geometry instead of a linear straight connection. This curvature allows the connection to deform more easily under shock loading, absorbing mechanical energy while maintaining electrical connectivity. The bent shape provides inherent shock absorption capability without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bent portions are formed in connection portions, then shock absorption is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidconnection portion fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorbing function is merged into the connection portion itself by forming a bent portion in the existing connection structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate shock absorption components, as the connection portion serves dual purposes: electrical connectivity and shock absorption. The bent shape can be formed during standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Quantity of substance

If multiple cell assemblies are arranged in orthogonal direction, then power storage capacity is increased, but shock transmission paths between assemblies are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower storage capacityVSAvoidshock transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portions between cell assemblies in orthogonal arrangement are equipped with bent portions that segment and isolate shock transmission paths. Each bent portion acts as an independent shock absorber for its respective connection, preventing shock from propagating between different cell assemblies while allowing the assemblies to be arranged in a compact orthogonal configuration for increased capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively absorbs shocks, preventing transmission between cells and reducing the risk of damage while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

The bent portion is deformed more easily than a portion formed so as to be linear. Accordingly, since the bent portion can be easily deformed by the shock applied to the power storage cell, the shock can be effectively absorbed by the bent portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The shock absorbing portion may include an elastic member disposed between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The shock absorbing portion may include a damper disposed between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20250323386A1Power storage device
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20250323386A1 patent drawing
  • US20250323386A1 patent drawing
  • US20250323386A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power storage device includes a cell assembly including a plurality of power storage cells arranged in an X direction and a connection portion electrically connecting the power storage cells adjacent to each other in the X direction. A bent portion is provided between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion.