Battery Module End Plate Asymmetric Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules with multiple cells face challenges in maximizing mounting efficiency while minimizing space, requiring improved securing mechanisms to enhance both manufacturing efficiency and product performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring first and second end plates with connecting members and securing portions, including welds and fasteners, that securely hold the cells in place while allowing for efficient assembly and reduced component count, thereby improving mounting efficiency and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are arranged in a compact space to increase output voltage and current, then the energy density and power output are improved, but the mounting complexity and difficulty of securing cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into a single integrated end plate structure. The end plate integrates cell securing portions, alignment features, and connection interfaces into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms for each cell while maintaining secure mounting of multiple battery cells in compact arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs cell securing, alignment, structural support, and electrical connection functions. This universal design allows a single component to address multiple mounting requirements, reducing overall system complexity while enabling compact battery cell arrangements for high power output
2Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used for each battery cell, then reliable cell mounting is achieved, but the manufacturing time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is pre-configured with integrated securing portions and alignment features before assembly. The cell securing portions are formed as integral features of the end plate structure, allowing cells to be secured through a single assembly operation rather than requiring multiple separate securing steps, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple securing operations are merged into a single assembly process. The integrated end plate allows all battery cells to be secured simultaneously through one mounting operation, eliminating the need for repeated securing steps for each cell, thus significantly improving productivity while ensuring reliable cell mounting
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric securing portions are used at both ends of the battery module, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different cell configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric securing portion designs at the first and second end plates. The first end plate has a first securing portion configuration while the second end plate has a different second securing portion configuration. This asymmetry allows adaptation to different battery cell types, arrangements, and connection requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized asymmetric components
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 design enhances the securement of battery cells within a compact space, simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces weight, and lowers production costs by eliminating unnecessary components, while ensuring robust connections for high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first securing portion may include a first weld securing the first end plate and the first end of the connecting member.
Implementation Method 2
The second securing portion may include a fastener securing the second end to the second end plate.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, a first end plate adjacent a first outermost battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, a second end plate adjacent a second outermost battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, the second end plate being spaced apart from the first end plate along the first direction, a connecting member extending along the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, the connecting member having a first end connected to the first end plate and a second end connected to the second end plate, a first securing portion securing the first end of the connecting member to the first end plate, and a second securing portion securing the second end to the second end plate, the second securing portion having a different configuration from the first securing portion.