Battery Module Cell Insertion Using Ultrasonic Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The insertion of cylindrical battery cells into battery module housings often requires repeated pressing, leading to increased production time and potential mechanical damage due to the cells springing back after the pressing force is reduced, and using higher forces to prevent this can further damage the cells.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using high-frequency vibrations, generated by an ultrasonic generator, to reduce the frictional force required for inserting battery cells, allowing for precise placement with lower pressing force and incorporating a cooling medium within the module housing for effective cooling, while maintaining mechanical stability and preventing electrical and mechanical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a larger pressing force is used to insert round cells into the battery module housing, then the mechanical stability of the battery module is improved, but the battery cells may be mechanically damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidmechanical damage to battery cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibrations during the insertion process to reduce friction between the round cells and the housing. The vibrations cause the cells to oscillate, allowing them to be pressed into place with lower force while maintaining stable positioning, thus preventing mechanical damage to the cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Manufacturing precision

If repeated pressing is used to insert battery cells into the housing, then the insertion completeness is improved, but the production time is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion completenessVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing vibrations during insertion, the patent enables complete and stable cell placement in a single operation. The vibrations help the cells settle into their final positions without springing back, eliminating the need for repeated pressing cycles and thereby reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Stability of the object's composition

If a larger pressing force is used to prevent spring back of battery cells, then the positional stability of cells is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional stabilityVSAvoidmechanical damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrations during insertion reduce friction and allow the cells to be pressed firmly into position with lower force. This combination of vibration and reduced pressing force achieves both positional stability and prevention of mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or conditions during insertion by introducing vibrational motion. This parameter change allows the insertion process to achieve stable positioning without requiring high pressing forces that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables efficient and precise insertion of battery cells with reduced mechanical stress, improved stability, and rapid cooling, suitable for use in electric vehicles and hybrid systems.

Implementation Method 1

high-frequency vibrations in particular can be used in order to reduce the frictional force along the at least one battery cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The vibrations are preferably generated by means of an ultrasonic generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic generator: Ultrasonic Motor

Implementation Method 3

The battery module housing is preferably filled with a cooling medium. In this way, the battery module housing acts not only as a mechanical holder for the battery cells contained therein, but also as a cooling housing for the same. The affected battery cells are thus cooled directly by the cooling medium in the battery module housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4084177A1Method for manufacturing a battery module, device for its implementation and use of a battery module
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4084177A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4084177A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4084177A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (30, 40) for manufacturing a battery module (116, 216), a device (10, 20) for carrying out this method, and the use of such a method. The method (30, 40) for manufacturing a battery module (116, 216) comprising at least one battery cell (108) and a battery module housing (112, 212) is characterized in that the at least one battery cell (108) is inserted into the battery module housing (112, 212) by means of pressing and applying vibrations.