Battery Module Insulating Spacers Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in achieving a compact size while maintaining durability and resistance to vibrations, which can affect the joints of electrode terminals and overall battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring flat batteries stacked with electrically insulating spacers that have openings to expose and support electrode terminals, reducing the distance between cells and enhancing vibration resistance through the use of insulating covers and spacers that allow for cooling and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between individual flat battery cells is reduced to achieve compact size, then the battery module becomes more compact, but the structure becomes more susceptible to vibration effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulating spacers as intermediary components positioned between adjacent flat battery cells. These spacers serve multiple functions: they maintain electrical insulation, provide mechanical support, and create vibration-dampening spacing. The spacers act as mediators that allow the batteries to be closely positioned for compactness while simultaneously protecting against vibration-induced damage by distributing and absorbing mechanical stresses.
2Volume of moving object
If insulating spacers are used to support electrode terminals and reduce distance between cells, then compactness is achieved, but the complexity of the battery module structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating spacers are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously perform electrical insulation, mechanical support for electrode terminals, spacing maintenance, and vibration dampening. By consolidating multiple functions into a single component, the patent reduces the need for separate elements, thereby managing structural complexity while achieving compact battery module design.
3Ease of operation
If openings are formed in insulating spacers to expose electrode terminals, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the risk of short-circuits from vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating spacers feature localized openings positioned precisely where electrode terminals need to be exposed for electrical connection. The openings are strategically designed to provide just enough exposure for connectivity while maintaining insulating coverage in other critical areas. This localized approach ensures electrical functionality is achieved without creating unnecessary vulnerability to vibration-induced short-circuits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of flat batteries stacked upon one another in a thickness direction. The plurality of flat batteries each have an outer cover and plate-shaped electrode terminals connected. A power generating element is sealed within the outer cover of each of the plurality of flat batteries. The electrode terminals include substantially flat plates connected to the power generating element and projecting out of the outer cover in a projecting direction. The electrode terminals of the plurality of batteries are electrically connected to each other. Each of a plurality of electrically insulating spacers receives the electrode terminals of more than one of the flat batteries and the spacers are stacked in the thickness direction of the flat batteries. At least one of the insulating spacers has an opening along a projecting direction of the electrode terminal so as to expose a portion of the electrode terminal while supporting the plurality of electrode terminals spaced from each other in the thickness direction of the flat batteries.