Cylindrical Battery Module Holder Layout for Side-Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage modules deform significantly when impacted from the side, compromising safety due to increased component count in existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A power storage module design featuring cylindrical devices held by a holder with a container and a hole along the axis, where the distance between the container and hole is minimized, allowing the holder to absorb impacts and deform, thereby suppressing device deformation without adding components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pipe holder is provided between adjacent power storage devices to prevent deformation, then the safety is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the protective function into the existing holder structure by adding a through-hole, merging the support function and impact absorption function into a single component rather than adding a separate pipe holder between devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The through-hole acts as an intermediary structural feature that enables impact absorption and deformation control without requiring additional components, serving as a mediator between the holder and power storage devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the holder structure is made rigid to prevent deformation, then the power storage device protection is improved, but the impact absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage device protectionVSAvoidimpact absorption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the holder by introducing a through-hole, which modifies the holder's mechanical properties to enable controlled deformation and impact absorption while maintaining protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact force into beneficial controlled deformation of the holder structure, where the holder deforms in a predetermined manner to absorb impact energy while protecting the power storage devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 module effectively absorbs impacts, preventing power storage device deformation and maintaining safety without increasing the number of components, thus enhancing the module's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the entire holder is deformed. With such a configuration, an impact of the power storage module can be absorbed by the whole holder and hence, deformation of the power storage device can be suppressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20240162546A1Power storage module

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A power storage module includes: at least one cylindrical power storage device; and an upper holder that holds the power storage device in an axial direction. The upper holder includes a container that houses the power storage device and a hole that penetrates the upper holder along an axial direction around the container. A distance between the container and the hole in plan view is smaller than a distance between the container and the adjacent container in plan view or a distance between the container and an edge of the upper holder in plan view.