Battery Module Holding Plates with Coupling Tabs for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery module assembly processes are complex and inefficient due to the need for specialized jigs and expertise to align and secure battery stacks, hindering production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring holding plates with tabs and a coupling member that includes projecting portions on an insulating member, allowing for easy assembly without additional jigs, and a configuration that includes a hollow space for gas discharge, reducing weight and improving assembly efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If binding plates and bar-shaped connection members are used to hold the battery stack, then the stack is tightly secured, but the assembly process becomes complicated and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack holding stabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding structure is divided into modular components: holding plates with integrated tabs and a coupling member with projecting portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while simplifying the overall assembly process, as components can be attached separately without requiring complex jigging or specialized expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding plates include tabs that automatically engage with the coupling member's projecting portions during assembly. This self-aligning, self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for additional binding components or complex assembly procedures, allowing workers to simply place components together without specialized training or equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If multiple binding components are used to secure the battery stack, then the structural integrity is improved, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, includes tabs for mechanical connection, and incorporates the coupling member interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate binding plates, connection members, and additional fastening components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member serves multiple purposes: it connects holding plates together, provides structural support for the battery stack, and includes projecting portions that enable automatic alignment and attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while ensuring robust structural integrity.

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

3Reliability

If conventional binding structures are used, then the battery stack is securely held, but additional jigs are required for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack securingVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding plates are pre-formed with tabs and the coupling member is pre-formed with projecting portions during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for additional jigs or positioning tools during assembly, as the components are designed to self-align and secure together through their pre-integrated features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2615663B1Battery module and power source unit
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 GS YUASA INT LTD
  • EP2615663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2615663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2615663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack (470) includes a stack including a plurality of battery cells (50) aligned, holding plates (411R, 411L) respectively provided on side faces of the stack for holding the stack, a coupling member (440) disposed along a direction in which the battery cells (50) are aligned and fixed to the holding plates (411R, 411L) to bind the plurality of battery cells (50), and an insulating member (450) provided between the coupling member (440) and the plurality of battery cells (50). The insulating member (450) includes projecting portions (452a, 452b) disposed adjacent to and along at least one of side faces of the coupling member (440) and projecting toward the coupling member (440).