Battery Module Connecting Member for Swelling-Tolerant Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules face challenges such as deformation during welding, interference between modules, and difficulty in assembling swollen modules, especially when connecting members are applied on both sides.

Innovation Solution

A battery module connecting member is designed to be mounted along the side surface of a battery module, featuring symmetrical seating portions at its ends to facilitate assembly without distinction between front and rear, thus preventing swelling, maintaining side pressure, and blocking heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connecting members are welded to battery cases to assemble conventional battery modules, then the battery modules can be connected, but deformation occurs during welding which causes interference between battery modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical pressing assembly method. The connecting member includes pressing portions that press against the battery cases from both sides, and pressing applying portions that apply pressing force during assembly. This mechanical system eliminates the thermal deformation and precision issues associated with welding while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If connecting members are applied on both sides of battery modules, then connection strength is improved, but it becomes difficult to assemble swollen battery modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member incorporates elasticity elements that provide dynamic adaptability. The body and pressing portions are designed with elastic properties allowing them to deform and adapt to swollen battery modules during assembly, while still maintaining strong connection force. This dynamic characteristic enables the same connecting member to accommodate both normal and swollen modules effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional connecting members are used without symmetrical design, then assembly direction must be strictly controlled, but this increases assembly time and reduces workability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidworkability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs symmetrical design in the connecting member where the pressing portions and body are arranged symmetrically about the central axis. This symmetrical configuration allows the connecting member to be assembled in any direction without strict orientation control, significantly improving workability and reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250046956A1Battery module connecting member and battery module assembly including the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an aspect of the present invention, a battery module connecting member mounted between side surfaces of battery modules may include a body extending along the side surface of the battery module and seating portions provided at front and rear ends of the body and protruding from at least one of both side surfaces of the body to be seated on terminal blocks provided on front and rear surfaces of the battery module.