Battery Module End Plate Interlock for Stack Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in suppressing positional displacement of the battery stack without increasing production costs or impairing insertability, particularly due to the complexity and variability of sawtooth-shaped irregularities used for restraint, which can lead to wear and foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring inclined end plates and case surfaces with a recess and hole structure that applies a restraint load by pressing the end plate's contact surface inward, allowing the recessed region to protrude and enter the case's hole, thereby mechanically catching the battery stack and regulating its position without impairing insertability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If sawtooth-shaped irregularities are formed on the end surfaces to suppress positional displacement, then the battery stack position is regulated, but the production cost increases and wear-related issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the end surfaces from irregular sawtooth shapes to simple inclined planes with specific inclination angles. This parameter simplification reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to generate restraint loads through controlled contact between the inclined surfaces during battery stack insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex irregularities to the surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by using smooth inclined surfaces that generate restraint forces through their geometric configuration. The restraint mechanism is achieved through the contact geometry itself rather than through surface irregularities, eliminating wear issues while maintaining positional stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sawtooth-shaped irregularities are used for restraint, then positional displacement is suppressed, but variability in restraint load occurs due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface geometry from irregular sawtooth profiles to smooth inclined planes with controlled inclination angles. This eliminates the variability in frictional forces that arise from irregular surface contact, ensuring consistent restraint loads while maintaining effective positional stabilization of the battery stack.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inclined surfaces are used for restraint load application, then positional displacement is suppressed, but insertability of the battery stack may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inclined surfaces with carefully controlled inclination angles that provide sufficient restraint load generation during insertion without being so steep as to prevent insertion entirely. The angle is optimized to achieve partial compression action during insertion that generates the necessary restraint force while maintaining ease of battery stack insertion.
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 design effectively suppresses positional displacement of the battery stack while maintaining easy insertability and reducing the risk of wear-related issues, achieved through a simpler and cost-effective structure that applies a consistent restraint load.
Implementation Method 1
each of the end plates includes, as an outer end surface in the stacking direction, an end plate-side end surface inclined such that a dimension of the battery stack in the stacking direction decreases toward a lower end of the end plate, the case includes, as an inner end surface in the stacking direction, a case-side end surface inclined such that a dimension of the accommodation space in the stacking direction decreases toward a lower end of the case
Implementation Method 2
the end plate includes a recess formed so as to surround a part of the end plate-side end surface, the case includes a hole formed at a position facing a region in the stacking direction, the region being surrounded by the recess of the end plate, and in a state where the battery stack is accommodated in the case, a contact surface of the end plate-side end surface that is in contact with the case-side end surface is pressed inward in the stacking direction from the case-side end surface so that the region surrounded by the recess relatively protrudes outward in the stacking direction from the contact surface and enters an inside of the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a battery stack including a cell stack, and a pair of end plates; and a case including an opening and an accommodation space. Further, each end plate includes, as an outer end surface, an end plate-side end surface, the case includes, a case-side end surface inclined, the end plate includes a recess formed so as to surround a part of the end plate-side end surface, the case includes a hole formed at a position facing a region in the stacking direction, the region being surrounded by the recess of the end plate, and when the battery stack is accommodated in the case, a contact surface of the end plate-side end surface is pressed inward so that the region surrounded by the recess relatively protrudes outward in the stacking direction from the contact surface and enters an inside of the hole.