Battery Mounting Structure for Flexible Power Unit Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery mounting structures in electric power units, such as lawn mowers, restrict the layout freedom of components due to limited battery connection directions, necessitating design compromises that limit the arrangement of components like handles and protective frames.

Innovation Solution

A battery mounting structure with a placement member, such as a tray, that allows direct electrical connection between the battery and electrical components via a connection member, eliminating the need for terminals on the placement member, and using an engaging member with a pressing part and elastic member for secure attachment, enabling flexible mounting and reduced abrasion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery is connected to the battery mounting part along a rail part in a fixed direction, then the battery can be securely mounted and electrically connected, but the degrees of freedom in layout of constituent components including the battery are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery mounting securityVSAvoidlayout freedom of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the mounting function (battery tray with engaging members) from the electrical connection function (connection terminals and harnesses). This segmentation allows the battery to be mounted securely through mechanical engagement while electrical connections are established independently through flexible harnesses, enabling greater layout freedom without compromising mounting security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a flexible connection member (harness) as an intermediary between the battery and electrical components. This intermediary allows electrical connections to be made without rigid structural constraints, enabling the battery to be positioned more freely while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity to various components like motors and controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the battery mounting part includes terminals for electrical connection, then the battery can be electrically connected to electrical components, but the terminals may be damaged during battery mounting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidbattery mounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the battery mounting structure into a mechanical mounting portion (battery tray with engaging members) and an electrical connection portion (terminals and harnesses). The mechanical engagement features are designed to secure the battery without contacting the electrical terminals, allowing operators to mount and dismount the battery without risk of terminal damage, while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity through the separate harness connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the battery is firmly fixed to the placement member, then vibrations-induced movement is minimized, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery stability during operationVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions into the battery tray structure: mechanical support, positioning guidance, and securing engagement. The engaging members are integrated directly into the tray, and guide rails are formed as part of the tray structure, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting mechanisms while achieving firm fixation that minimizes vibration-induced movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances the layout freedom of components, simplifies battery mounting, reduces costs, and improves the structural integrity and durability of the battery mounting system by allowing secure attachment without terminal damage and minimizing vibrations-induced movement.

Implementation Method 1

by causing the elastic member to elastically deform by the load acting on the battery in an engaged state between the battery and engaging member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3742516B1Electric power unit and working machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3742516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

With the object of providing a battery mounting structure and working machine which can improve the degrees of freedom in layout of constituent components including a battery, without restrictions in the mounting direction of the battery, it is configured to include a placement member provided at an upper part of an electrical component, a battery which is provided detachably to the placement member and drives the electrical component, and a connection member which extends from the electrical component towards the battery and can electrically connect the electrical component and the battery.