Battery Module Retention Clamp With Central Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module mounting systems lack efficient and lightweight solutions for securely attaching battery modules to base plates, particularly in electric and hybrid electric vehicle applications, where weight reduction is critical.
Innovation Solution
A battery module mounting assembly featuring a base plate with a first retention clamp having a central rib and clamping portions that securely engage battery module housings, allowing for reduced plate thickness and weight while maintaining structural rigidity, and a method involving welding these clamps to the base plate for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the plate thickness is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight of the retention clamp is reduced, but the structural rigidity and strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clamp plate is segmented by adding a central rib that divides the plate into regions, creating a stiffened structure. This segmentation allows the plate to maintain rigidity with reduced overall thickness, as the rib creates localized structural support without requiring increased material throughout the entire plate.
Solution Approach 2:
A central rib is added to the plate, transitioning from a two-dimensional flat plate to a three-dimensional stiffened structure. This dimensional change introduces longitudinal support that significantly enhances bending resistance and structural rigidity while maintaining thin plate geometry, thereby reducing weight without compromising strength.
2Device complexity
If a single-part retention clamp is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to securely engage multiple portions of battery module housing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clamp incorporates multiple clamping portions (first and second clamping portions) that can engage different portions of the battery module housing simultaneously. This segmentation of the clamping function allows secure engagement of multiple housing portions while maintaining a relatively simple single-part clamp structure that is formed from a single plate.
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 solution provides a lightweight and rigid mounting system that effectively secures battery modules, reducing weight and enhancing performance in electric and hybrid electric vehicle applications by utilizing a central rib for longitudinal support and clamping portions for secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
welding a first retention clamp having a first plate of substantially uniform thickness to the base plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module mounting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base plate, and a first retention clamp having a first plate of uniform thickness. The first plate has a central rib, first and second base portions, and first and second clamping portions. The first and second base portions extend from first and second sides, respectively, of the central rib, and are fixedly attached to the base plate. The first clamping portion extends outwardly from the first base portion. The first clamping portion holds a first portion of a first battery module housing. The second clamping portion extends outwardly from the second base portion. The second clamping portion holds a second portion of a second battery module housing.