Rechargeable Battery Module Conductive Spacer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rechargeable battery modules with serially connected unit cells, the different materials used for positive and negative electrode terminals often result in uneven welding capacities, leading to suboptimal connection performance.
Innovation Solution
A conductive spacer is interposed between the positive and negative electrode terminals of adjacent unit cells, with a coupling mechanism involving a first member passing through through-holes in the terminals and a second member, ensuring consistent electrical connection and improved performance even when terminals are made of different materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for positive and negative electrode terminals, then material optimization for specific performance is achieved, but welding capacity becomes uneven and connection performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection member as an intermediary component between the positive and negative electrode terminals. This connection member has different welding surfaces with optimized welding capacities tailored to match each terminal material, thereby mediating the connection between dissimilar materials and resolving the welding capacity mismatch problem
2Ease of manufacture
If direct welding connection is used between different material terminals, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but connection reliability deteriorates due to uneven welding capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves as a mediator that maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability. It provides pre-optimized welding surfaces that match different terminal materials, eliminating the need for complex adaptive welding processes while ensuring reliable connections
3Reliability
If connection members with different welding capacities are used for each terminal, then connection performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single connection member: it combines the welding interface for positive terminals, the welding interface for negative terminals, and the mechanical connection function all in one component. This consolidation improves connection performance while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 solution enhances the electrical connection performance between the terminals by providing a consistent coupling force across both ends of the spacer, ensuring reliable and efficient power output in rechargeable battery modules.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive spacer interposed between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the respective unit cells and electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery module including at least two unit cells, each unit cell having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, each unit cell having a side surface disposed crosswise to one direction, the at least two unit cells overlapping at their side surfaces, a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal respectively, of different unit cells being coupled to each other and facing each other, and a conductive spacer interposed between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the respective unit cells, and electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to each other.