Battery Module Spacer Structure for Cell Length Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices face inefficiencies in assembly and manufacturing due to variations in cell array length, leading to either inefficient attachment of elastic apparatus or gaps between the cell array and the tray, which can cause expansion and deterioration of the power storage module.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device design that includes a spacer with an elastic first member and a second member of higher modulus of elasticity, sandwiched between the sidewalls of the accommodation case and the opposing portions of the power storage module, to fill and bury any gaps, thereby suppressing expansion and deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance of attachment of the elastic apparatus is varied to accommodate cell array length variations, then the power storage module can be assembled, but assembly efficiency and manufacturing efficiency become low
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic apparatus uses an elastic material that can change its length parameter automatically in response to cell array length variations. The elastic member expands or contracts to fill gaps or accommodate variations without requiring manual adjustment of attachment distances, thereby maintaining both adaptability and assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic apparatus provides a dynamic solution where the attachment distance is not fixed but can vary automatically. The elastic member dynamically adjusts its length to match cell array variations, eliminating the need for manual repositioning while maintaining proper contact and support.
2Productivity
If the distance of attachment of the elastic apparatus is not varied with cell array length variation, then assembly efficiency is maintained, but a gap is provided between the cell array and the tray causing expansion and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic apparatus automatically adjusts itself to fill gaps caused by cell array length variations. The elastic member self-regulates its length to maintain contact between the power storage module and the tray, eliminating gaps without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving both assembly efficiency and module stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic apparatus is designed with inherent elasticity to anticipate and compensate for cell array length variations before they cause problems. The elastic member can expand to fill gaps or contract to accommodate variations, preventing expansion and deterioration of the power storage module while maintaining consistent assembly efficiency.
3Reliability
If a rigid spacer is used to fill gaps, then expansion can be suppressed, but the spacer cannot accommodate length variations and creates assembly inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic apparatus uses an elastic material whose length parameter can change in response to cell array variations. This allows the spacer to maintain its gap-filling function while automatically adapting to different lengths, suppressing expansion without compromising manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic apparatus employs a flexible elastic member that can deform and adjust its shape and length. This flexibility allows the spacer to effectively fill gaps and suppress expansion while accommodating cell array length variations, avoiding the assembly inefficiency associated with rigid spacers.
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
The proposed solution effectively suppresses the expansion of the power storage module and prevents deterioration by reliably filling gaps between the accommodation case and the power storage module, even when the module lengths vary, thus enhancing manufacturing efficiency and product stability.
Implementation Method 1
The first member includes a first line portion that continuously extends to form a holding region where the second member can be held
Implementation Method 2
a second member higher in modulus of elasticity than the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage device includes a power storage module including a plurality of power storage cells, an accommodation case, and a spacer. The accommodation case includes a pair of sidewalls. The spacer is arranged between at least one of the pair of sidewalls and the power storage module. The power storage module includes an opposing portion opposed to at least one of the pair of sidewalls. The spacer includes an elastic first member and a second member higher in modulus of elasticity than the first member. The first member includes a first line portion that continuously extends to form a holding region where the second member can be held. The second member is filled in the holding region. The first member and the second member are sandwiched between at least one of the pair of sidewalls and the opposing portion.