Battery Module Load Applicator With Switchable Restraint Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Load applicators for power storage modules face challenges in maintaining an appropriate load over time due to aging, which can lead to insufficient or excessive loading, necessitating a configuration that adapts to the power storage module's expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A load applicator with an elastic mechanism and a switching device that adjusts its restraint load based on the power storage module's expansion, switching from a first form to a second form with a higher elastic modulus and increased number of elastic bodies to ensure consistent loading, even as the module ages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the load applicator is configured to apply an excess load to prepare for aging deterioration, then the load sufficiency is improved for long period use, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load applicator employs a dynamic configuration where the elastic mechanism can switch between first and second forms based on the actual load requirements. The switching device enables transition between these forms, allowing the system to adapt its stiffness and load application characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed in a single high-stiffness configuration from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mechanism's physical parameters (stiffness, elastic modulus) are changed by switching between different forms. The second form has a larger elastic modulus and greater number of elastic bodies than the first form, allowing parameter adjustment to match the power storage module's changing characteristics over time
2Reliability
If the load applicator applies a larger initial load to compensate for future deterioration, then the long period load sufficiency is improved, but the power storage module requires a stronger structure to tolerate the large load
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a consistently high load, the system dynamically adjusts the load magnitude by switching between elastic mechanism forms. The switching device monitors load application conditions and transitions between first and second forms, ensuring the load remains appropriate for the current state of the power storage module rather than being excessively high throughout its entire lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for future aging effects by having the switching device and multiple elastic mechanism forms ready in advance, but only activates the higher-stiffness second form when actually needed. This preliminary preparation allows the system to respond proactively to aging without immediately imposing excessive loads that would require stronger module structures
3Device complexity
If the load applicator uses a fixed configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to power storage module expansion and contraction deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The load applicator transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic system with switching capability. The switching device enables the elastic mechanism to change between first and second forms, allowing the system to adapt to the power storage module's expansion and contraction over time while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device functions as a feedback mechanism that monitors the load application conditions and the power storage module's state, then activates the appropriate elastic mechanism form. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to aging and dimensional changes without requiring complex real-time control algorithms
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 allows for the application of an appropriate load to the power storage module over a long period, effectively addressing the insufficiency and excessive loading issues, thereby extending the operating life of the power storage apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic mechanism contracts so as to correspond to a distance between the first member and the second member in the one direction. The elastic mechanism applies a restraint load to the power storage module via the first member in accordance with a contraction amount of the elastic mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
the power storage cells constituting the power storage module contract in one direction, a load to be applied from the load applicator to the power storage module in the one direction may become insufficient
Data Source
AI summary
A load applicator includes an elastic mechanism, a first member configured to move in accordance with contraction of power storage cells, a second member provided on a side opposite to the first member across the elastic mechanism, and a switching device. The elastic mechanism has a first form in which a first restraint load is applied to the power storage module when the power storage module expands by a first dimension, and a second form in which a second restraint load larger than the first restraint load is applied to the power storage module when the power storage module expands by the first dimension. The switching device performs an operation to switch from the first form to the second form in a case where a restraint load smaller than the first restraint load is applied to the power storage module when the power storage module expands by the first dimension.