Battery Module Connector With Bidirectional Coupling Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules require a predetermined connector direction, leading to increased complexity, time, and cost due to the need for symmetrical part development, limiting flexibility in connector orientation.

Innovation Solution

A module connector with a bidirectional fastening structure, featuring a first slide rail fastening part and a second slide rail fastening part that allows insertion in two opposite directions, enabling flexible orientation after production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a predetermined connector direction is used in conventional battery modules, then the connector can be reliably connected, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing time and cost increase due to the need for symmetrical part development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connection reliabilityVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with an asymmetric structure where only one side has the fastening protrusion and coupling structure, while the other side is simplified. This allows the connector to be reliably connected in a predetermined direction without requiring symmetrical parts, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If a predetermined connector direction is specified for each module, then the connector can be properly aligned, but the loss of time and cost increases due to re-development of symmetrical parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector alignment precisionVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric connector design with a predetermined connection direction eliminates the need to develop symmetrical parts for different orientations. The fastening protrusion and coupling structure are designed to work in one direction only, which maintains precise alignment while significantly reducing development time and avoiding redundant design work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If symmetrical parts are re-developed to accommodate predetermined connector direction, then the connector can be properly oriented, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector orientationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing the connector with asymmetric fastening structures that work in a predetermined direction, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture multiple symmetrical variants. The single-direction fastening protrusion and coupling structure reduce manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation through clear orientation guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If all parts are re-developed in symmetrical form, then the module can accommodate predetermined connector direction, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule adaptability to connector directionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric connector design with predetermined connection direction allows the module to adapt to the connector orientation without requiring symmetrical parts. The simplified structure with fastening protrusion and coupling structure in one direction only reduces process complexity while maintaining the adaptability needed for proper connector integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3764421B1Battery module including connector having bidirectional coupling structure
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3764421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3764421B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3764421B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

[Summary] A battery module of the present disclosure includes: a cell assembly including at least one battery cell; a module case accommodating the cell assembly; and a module connector mounted outside the module case, electrically connected to the cell assembly, and connected to an external connector outside the module case. The coupling surface of the module connector may have a first fastening part opened in at least one direction, and a corresponding coupling surface outside the module case may have a second fastening part opened bidirectionally so as to be inserted into the first fastening part in a first direction or in a second direction opposite thereto.