Battery Module Adapter with Adjustable Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles and equipment are typically designed for standard battery sizes, limiting the use of non-standard battery modules due to predetermined clearances, lead lengths, and terminal distances.

Innovation Solution

A battery module adapter with a housing assembly that includes adjustable metal receivers and connectors to accommodate battery modules of different sizes, allowing for the use of non-standard batteries by adjusting the terminal distances and securing the modules in place with partitions and hold-down structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard battery size is used in vehicle design, then the clearances, battery tray, and lead lengths can be predetermined, but non-standard battery modules cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery module compatibilityVSAvoidadapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A battery adapter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the vehicle's battery tray and non-standard battery modules. The adapter includes a receiver that receives the battery module and electrical connectors that bridge the electrical connections, allowing non-standard modules to interface with vehicles designed for standard batteries without modifying the vehicle structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery adapter assembly is designed to accommodate multiple battery module sizes and configurations through adjustable components. The electrical connectors can be adjusted to match different terminal positions, and the receiver can secure various module dimensions, making a single adapter design universally applicable to different non-standard battery modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between battery terminals is fixed for standard batteries, then electrical connections are simplified, but non-standard batteries with different terminal distances cannot be connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal distance accommodationVSAvoidconnector installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connectors in the battery adapter assembly are designed with adjustable features that allow them to be configured for different terminal distances. This dynamic adjustability enables the same connector design to work with battery modules of varying terminal spacings without requiring multiple specialized connector types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter system allows for parameter changes in terminal distance accommodation by providing adjustable electrical connectors that can be configured to match different battery module specifications. This enables the system to adapt to various terminal spacing parameters without redesigning the entire connection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery modules of different sizes are used, then flexibility in battery selection is improved, but the clearances and mounting requirements become unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery module size selectionVSAvoidclearance specification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The battery adapter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a receiver portion that provides mechanical support and positioning, and electrical connector portions that handle electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively accommodating various battery module sizes and maintaining proper clearances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11024915B2Battery module adapter
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 BENDE MIKLOS
  • US11024915B2 patent drawing
  • US11024915B2 patent drawing
  • US11024915B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery module adapter for a vehicle or other equipment including at least one battery module and a housing assembly having a pair of battery terminals and a metal receiver functioning as an electrical connector defining a receptacle for receiving the battery module. The exterior dimensions of the housing assembly may be the same as the exterior dimensions of a standard battery.