Battery Module Shoulder Bolt Fastening for Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in efficient assembly and structural integrity, particularly in maintaining a compressed state and ensuring effective cooling and gas management.
Innovation Solution
The battery module design incorporates end plates with specific apertures, frame members with thermally conductive plates and elastomeric sealing, and shoulder bolts to securely hold battery cells, allowing for efficient air cooling and gas routing, while a method for assembly ensures precise positioning of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fillister head screws are used to maintain the battery module in a compressed state, then the assembly process is simplified, but the structural integrity and precision of component positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is segmented into two distinct components: the shoulder bolt provides precise positioning and compression force, while the nut provides adjustable fastening. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function, improving both assembly precision and structural integrity compared to using单一 screws
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder portion of the bolt acts as an intermediary element between the battery cells and the end plates, providing a dedicated compression surface that distributes force evenly. This intermediary structure enhances the precision of component positioning and the overall structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If apertures are positioned in peripheral corner regions of end plates and frame members, then component alignment and positioning precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apertures are strategically positioned in the peripheral corner regions where the structural rigidity is highest, providing optimal alignment reference points. This local optimization of aperture positioning achieves high manufacturing precision without requiring complex positioning mechanisms throughout the entire structure
3Strength
If shoulder bolts with threaded portions are used instead of simple fasteners, then the compressive force and structural stability are improved, but the assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static compression (screws maintaining fixed compression) to a dynamic adjustment system where the nut can be threaded on or off to adjust and maintain optimal compressive force. This dynamic capability allows for precise control of compression while maintaining assembly efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module and a method for assembling the battery module are provided. The battery module includes a first end plate, a second end plate, a frame member, a first battery cell disposed between the first end plate and the frame member, and a second battery cell disposed between the second end plate and the frame member. The battery module further includes a first shoulder bolt having a first head portion, a first shaft portion, a first shoulder portion, and a first threaded portion. The first shoulder bolt is disposed such that the first head portion is disposed against the first end plate and the first shaft portion extends through a first aperture of the first end plate and a first aperture of the frame member, and the first shoulder portion is disposed against the second end plate.