Battery Pack Connector Retainer for Secure Detection Wire Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack designs face challenges in securely connecting detection wires for transmitting state information of battery cells, leading to potential separation and complicating detachable fastening with circuit units.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring a connector assembly with a retainer that firmly couples the detection wire to the connector, using a rim edge member and accommodation member, and a retainer that extends across the detection wire, preventing separation and facilitating easy detachable fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is used to connect detection wire and circuit unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but separation of detection wire may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A retainer is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and detection wire. The retainer includes a body that receives the detection wire and locking protrusions that engage with the connector, creating a three-component system (connector-retainer-detection wire) that prevents direct connection issues between connector and detection wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the connector for electrical connection, the retainer for mechanical retention, and the detection wire for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If detachable fastening is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but workability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable fastening easeVSAvoidworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a movable pressing portion that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to be easily pressed to release the retainer for detachment, while maintaining stable connection during normal operation, thus improving ease of operation without compromising workability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If retainer is added to prevent separation, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it receives the detection wire, provides locking engagement with the connector through protrusions and grooves, and maintains mechanical retention. This merging of functions reduces the need for multiple separate components while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4439781B1Battery pack and connector assembly
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4439781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4439781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack including: a battery cell; a detection wire configured to transmit state information of the battery cell; a connector including a rim edge member and an accommodation member, the rim edge member surrounding an open end configured to receive a connection end of the detection wire, the accommodation member being recessed from the rim edge member in a first direction to enclose the connection end; and a retainer extending across the detection wire in a second direction crossing the first direction and coupled to the open end of the connector from the outside such that the retainer is located between the connector and the detection wire in a third direction crossing both the first direction and the second direction.