Battery Pack Conductive Coupling Member Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack designs face challenges in space-saving when laminated cells are stacked horizontally, as the varying load on cells due to gravity and the protrusion of terminal blocks require additional space for coupling with wiring components.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design where laminated cells are stacked horizontally with a conductive coupling member that electrically connects the cells to a wiring coupling portion without protruding, using a single plate-shaped member that extends orthogonally to the cell terminal, reducing the need for additional components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If laminated cells are stacked in the vertical direction, then the structure is simple, but gravity causes varying load on cells and requires more space for coupling with wiring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stacking direction from vertical to horizontal (another dimension), and repositions the wiring coupling portion from the side to the upper side, achieving space-saving in the coupling region while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the wiring coupling portion at the side of horizontally stacked cells (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning it on the upper side, which eliminates the need for protruding terminal blocks and reduces coupling space
2Reliability
If terminal blocks protrude to couple with wiring components, then electrical coupling is achieved, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal block function with the cell structure by making the terminal block an integrated part of the cell assembly rather than a separate protruding component, achieving electrical coupling without additional protrusion space
Solution Approach 2:
The upper side positioning of the wiring coupling portion acts as an intermediary arrangement that enables electrical coupling between horizontally stacked cells without requiring side-protruding terminal blocks, thus reducing the coupling space volume
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 design allows for efficient electrical coupling of laminated cells in a space-saving manner, reducing the distance between cell groups and achieving better space utilization while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive coupling member does not protrude in an extending direction of the cell terminal with respect to an abutting portion abutting against the cell terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of laminated cells, a battery case, and a wiring coupling portion. A first laminated cell positioned at an end portion of the electrical flow path and the wiring coupling portion are electrically coupled via a conductive coupling member. The first laminated cell includes a cell body portion and a cell terminal extending from the cell body portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the horizontal direction. The conductive coupling member is formed of a single plate-shaped member. The conductive coupling member does not protrude in an extending direction of the cell terminal with respect to an abutting portion abutting against the cell terminal, at least in a region on a lower side of upper end portions of the plurality of laminated cells when viewed from the first direction.