Battery Connecting Member with Thinner Portion for Force Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing battery mounting structures, the connecting electrode for the external terminal and the take-out electrode are positioned in the same plane, resulting in a large external force being applied to the take-out electrode when a vertical force is applied to the external terminal, which can lead to increased stress and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A battery design where the terminal electrode and take-out electrode are positioned differently within the same plane, with a connecting member having a thinner portion that can bend in response to external forces, reducing the force applied to the take-out electrode attachment point while maintaining structural rigidity, and incorporating an insulator with a recessed portion and raised portion to further absorb and redirect external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the connecting electrode is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the rigidity is improved, but the external force is fully transmitted to the take-out electrode attachment point causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of connecting memberVSAvoidexternal force on take-out electrode

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thinner portion that allows bending while other portions maintain sufficient thickness for rigidity. This local variation in geometric properties enables the structure to be rigid where needed and flexible where needed to protect against external forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The thickness parameter of the connecting member is varied along its length, with the thinner portion having reduced thickness compared to other sections. This parameter change creates a controlled flexibility zone that can deform under external force to reduce stress transmission to the take-out electrode attachment point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the connecting member is made flexible to reduce external force transmission, then the protection against external force is improved, but the rigidity of the connecting member is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal force on take-out electrodeVSAvoidrigidity of connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is effectively segmented into different functional zones: thicker portions that provide structural support and rigidity, and a thinner portion that provides flexibility for force absorption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally

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

This configuration effectively reduces the external force applied to the take-out electrode attachment point, enhancing the structural integrity and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for efficient power transfer and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a thinner portion allowing bending of the connecting member in response to an external force applied to the terminal electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9722219B2Battery, assembled battery, and mounting device

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A battery includes a bottomed case of box shape housing a power-generating element, a lid component for the case, a terminal electrode provided outside the case and extending in the direction of the thickness of the lid component, a take-out electrode passing through the lid component, provided for taking out an electric power of the power-generating element to the outside of the case, and disposed at a position different from that of the terminal electrode within a plane including the lid component, and a connecting member connecting the terminal electrode and the take-out electrode and including a thinner portion allowing bending of the connecting member in response to an external force applied to the terminal electrode in the direction of the thickness of the lid component.