Battery Module Frame Assembly With Universal Fastening Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack and module assembly technologies face challenges in cost-effective assembly and manufacturing, often requiring multiple types of parts, which complicates scaling and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A battery module member designed as a frame to enclose and retain battery cells, featuring specific hole configurations for fastening members, allowing for a single type of module to be used across multiple layers, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing part variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of battery module members are used to assemble battery module assembly, then the assembly can accommodate different configurations and requirements, but the number of different parts increases, complicating assembly and manufacturing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidpart variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module member is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple functions and positions within the battery module assembly. The frame structure with specifically positioned holes can function as side members, end members, or intermediate members depending on how they are arranged and connected, eliminating the need for different specialized parts for different positions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The battery module member is divided into functional segments through the strategic placement of holes (first holes for through-fastening, second holes for interference fit) that can be selectively used depending on the assembly requirements. This segmentation allows a single part type to be configured for different assembly needs without requiring multiple specialized part variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of battery module members are used, then different assembly configurations are possible, but the manufacturing cost increases due to higher part variety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly configurationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal battery module member that can function in multiple positions and configurations, the manufacturing cost is reduced through economies of scale. A single part type can be mass-produced rather than multiple specialized parts, while still achieving the required assembly configurations through different arrangements and connection methods of the same component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The same battery module member can be adapted to different assembly configurations by changing assembly parameters such as the selection and combination of connection methods (through-fastening vs. interference fit) and the arrangement pattern, rather than changing the physical parameters of the parts themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If through-fastening holes are used to connect battery module members, then the connection is simple and fast, but the structural strength may be insufficient compared to interference fit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two connection methods (through-fastening and interference fit) into a single battery module member design. Different connection methods can be selectively applied to different holes or different assembly locations, combining the speed advantage of through-fastening with the strength advantage of interference fit to achieve both high productivity and strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions or holes of the battery module member are designed with different connection capabilities (first holes for through-fastening, second holes for interference fit). This local differentiation allows the optimal connection method to be applied to each specific location based on the required strength and assembly considerations, rather than using a single uniform connection method throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enables a cost-effective and scalable battery module assembly and pack, facilitating easier assembly and reducing the number of different parts required, while maintaining a robust and reliable connection.

Implementation Method 1

the second hole is configured to receive and retain a fastening member by an interference fit between the fastening member and a second hole inner surface defining the second hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4545326A1A battery module member, a battery module assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4545326A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4545326A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP4545326A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5a

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a battery module member (1, 1') for a battery module assembly (2) for a battery pack (3), wherein the battery module member (1, 1') has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction (L), a width extension in a width direction (W) and a height extension in a height direction (H), and wherein the battery module member (1, 1') is formed as a frame configured to enclose and retain a plurality of battery cells (21), as seen in a sectional plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the width direction (W). The disclosure also relates to a battery module assembly (2), a battery pack (3) and a vehicle (4).