Battery Pack Locking Mechanism With Spherical Snap-Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack locking mechanisms for electric vehicles are time-consuming and complex to swap, limiting the efficiency of battery replacement in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack locking mechanism featuring snap-fit portions that can switch between interlocked and unlocked states, utilizing a transmission portion driven by an external force and leveraging the self-weight of the battery pack for stable engagement, with spherical snap-fit portions for reduced friction and abrasion, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolt tightening mechanisms are used to fasten the battery pack, then the locking is reliable, but the battery swap process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple locking members (first locking member and second locking member) that can independently engage with corresponding locking fittings. This segmentation allows parallel locking actions, reducing the overall time required while maintaining reliable locking through multiple engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to rotate from an unlocked position to a locked position dynamically. The first locking member rotates to engage the first locking fitting, while the second locking member simultaneously rotates to engage the second locking fitting. This dynamic rotation mechanism enables rapid locking without the time-consuming sequential bolt tightening process.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure stable locking, then the locking is firm, but the operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking operations are merged into simple rotational movements of the locking members. Both locking members can be rotated simultaneously or in sequence by a single operator using one hand, combining multiple locking functions into a single straightforward action that maintains stable locking while simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is proven reliable, but the mechanism becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members utilize spherical engagement surfaces that rotate into engagement with corresponding spherical locking fittings. This curved, rotational design replaces traditional linear bolt mechanisms, reducing the overall size and weight of the locking mechanism while maintaining reliable locking through precise spherical contact 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 mechanism enables rapid and efficient mounting and dismounting of battery packs, providing a stable and firm locking system while reducing wear and tear, and is compact and lightweight.
Implementation Method 1
by utilizing the self weight of the battery pack, a stable pretightening force is provided for the engagement between the locking member and the locking fitting member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4E
AI summary
Provided is a battery pack locking mechanism. The battery pack locking mechanism comprises: a locking member (100) and a locking fitting member (200), wherein the locking member (100) comprises a housing (110) and a snap-fit portion (120); one of the housing (110) and the locking fitting member (200) is fixedly provided in a battery pack, and the other is fixedly arranged in a position at which the battery pack is fixed; the snap-fit portion (120) can move between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing (110); in the first position, part of the snap-fit portion (120) extends out of the housing (110) to be interlocked with the locking fitting member (200); and in the second position, the snap-fit portion (120) is retracted into the housing (110) to be unlocked with the locking fitting member (200). By using the battery pack locking mechanism, the battery pack can be stably locked on a vehicle, and the battery pack can be rapidly mounted and dismounted. In addition, also provided are a battery pack matching the locking mechanism and a vehicle having the battery pack.