Battery Module Groove Connection and Spring Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems face challenges in arranging battery modules in a space-saving manner while ensuring secure connections to the battery housing, particularly in compact designs where modules need to be easily replaceable and securely attached to prevent unintentional loosening.

Innovation Solution

The battery system employs a tongue and groove connection mechanism with a screwing mechanism, where the tongue and connecting means are arranged in the groove, allowing for compact arrangement and secure attachment of battery modules to the housing, with a spring covering the screw to prevent loosening, and integrated cooling fluid channels for efficient cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If battery modules are arranged in a compact design with tongue-and-groove connections, then space utilization is improved, but connection security and resistance to unintentional loosening deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery module arrangement spaceVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is received within the groove of the battery module housing, creating a nested structure where the connector is partially embedded in the groove. This nesting arrangement saves space while maintaining connection security through the integrated groove-connector interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is arranged to overlap with the connecting element in the direction normal to the housing surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) rather than only lateral spacing. This dimensional arrangement allows both components to coexist in a compact volume while the spring provides securing force to prevent unintentional loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If connecting elements are arranged outside the groove for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew accessVSAvoidconnection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw is spaced apart from the groove in the direction normal to the housing surface, allowing the screw head to be accessible from the outside while the connecting element remains received in the groove. This dimensional separation enables easy screw access without exposing the connecting element, maintaining a clean integrated appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If multiple components are arranged in overlapping positions, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent arrangement spaceVSAvoidcomponent positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into functionally distinct segments: the groove provides the receiving structure, the connecting element provides the mechanical connection, the spring provides the securing force, and the screw provides the fastening. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently with standard tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements despite the compact overlapping arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for a compact, secure, and easily replaceable battery module arrangement, preventing unintentional loosening and enabling efficient cooling, thereby enhancing the battery's structural integrity and thermal management.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (17), in particular a coil spring, arranged in the groove (3), wherein the spring element (17) covers the screw mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the connecting element (8) is slidably arranged in the groove (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3552256B1Battery and method for producing a battery
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3552256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3552256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a battery having a housing (20) and at least a first battery module (1) and a second battery module (11), wherein a housing of the first battery module (1) has a groove (3), wherein a housing of the second battery module (11) has a spring (17), wherein the first battery module (1) is connected to the housing (20) of the battery by means of a connection means (8), wherein the spring (17) and the connection means (8) are at least partially situated in the groove (3), in particular accommodated in the groove (3) without play.