Battery Pack Pressurizing Structure for Cell Expansion Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage units face challenges in suppressing the expansion of power storage elements while maintaining a simplified structure and reduced size, as conventional pressurizing members increase complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A power storage unit design that utilizes a flat metal fitting opposing a metal placement surface with the power storage pack intervening, forming a pressurizing member to suppress expansion, without the need for a dedicated pressurizing member, using existing components and elastic contact portions for tolerance absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressurizing member is added to suppress expansion of power storage elements, then the expansion suppression function is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressurizing function with the existing box structure by forming a pressurizing member from the box bottom surface and a metal fitting, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated pressurizing member. This merging approach maintains the expansion suppression function while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical housing for the power storage pack and simultaneously forms part of the pressurizing member through the metal fitting arrangement. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both containment and expansion suppression roles
2Reliability
If a pressurizing member is added to suppress expansion of power storage elements, then the expansion suppression function is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing function is merged into the existing box structure rather than adding a separate component, thereby suppressing expansion without increasing the overall volume of the power storage unit
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic contact portions function as flexible elements that can deform to accommodate tolerances while maintaining the pressurizing force, allowing effective expansion suppression within the existing structural envelope without requiring additional space
3Ease of manufacture
If elastic contact portions are added for tolerance absorption, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic contact portions change their physical state from rigid to flexible, allowing them to deform and absorb dimensional tolerances. This parameter change enables easier assembly without requiring precise machining tolerances while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic contact portions are strategically placed only at specific locations where tolerance absorption is needed, rather than making the entire structure flexible. This localized application maintains overall structural integrity while providing assembly tolerance compensation at critical points
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 design effectively suppresses power storage element expansion while simplifying the structure and reducing the unit's size, improving manufacturability and cost-effectiveness by integrating elastic contact portions for easy assembly and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the fitting-side elastic contact portions (54) that elastically deform, the tolerance between the power storage pack and the space
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage unit includes: a power storage pack that includes a power storage element and a holding case that holds the power storage element, a box that accommodates the power storage pack, and a flat metal fitting that is disposed to oppose, in the box metal placement surface of the power storage pack with the power storage pack intervening therebetween, and is fixed to the box and the placement surface and the flat metal fitting form a pressurizing member is that suppress expansion of the power storage element.