Battery Module Restraint Load Adjustment for Cell Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module restraint mechanisms fail to adjust the restraint force effectively in response to temperature changes or customer requests, leading to potential unintended increases in restraint force.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a restraint force adjustment mechanism that includes an operation portion, such as a bolt member, nut member, and shim member, allowing for adjustable restraint load by deflecting end plates and restraint members to apply varying forces on the battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a restraint mechanism is used to restrain battery cells, then the battery cells are securely held in position, but the restraint force cannot be adjusted in response to temperature changes or customer requests
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint mechanism incorporates an adjustable restraint force adjustment mechanism that allows the restraint load to be dynamically changed. The operation portion enables users to adjust the restraint force by deflecting the end plate, which in turn adjusts the restraint member's position, allowing the system to adapt to different temperature conditions and customer requirements rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of restraint force by allowing the end plate to be deflected from its initial position. This deflection alters the distance between the end plate and the restraint member, thereby changing the restraint load applied to the battery cells. This parameter adjustment enables the system to accommodate varying operational conditions.
2Reliability
If the restraint force is increased to secure battery cells, then the cells are more firmly restrained, but the restraint force may increase to an unintended range when temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable restraint mechanism provides a means for feedback-based adjustment. Users can monitor the restraint force effects and adjust the operation portion accordingly to maintain optimal restraint levels, preventing both insufficient and excessive restraint forces that could occur with fixed mechanisms under varying temperature conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed restraint mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the restraint load cannot be adjusted after manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the end plate, the restraint member, and the operation portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The operation portion is designed as a separate adjustable element that can be incorporated into existing manufacturing processes without fundamentally complicating the overall structure.
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
Enables easy adjustment of the restraint load on battery cells, improving temperature stability and accommodating customer-specific requirements, while simplifying manufacturing and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
the operation portion is provided on the battery module... capable of adjusting a restraint load in the first direction... by deflecting end plates and restraint members
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module (1) includes: a plurality of battery cells (100) arranged side by side in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells (100) having a prismatic shape; a restraint mechanism (400, 500) that restrains the plurality of battery cells (100) in the first direction; and a restraint force adjustment mechanism (900, 1000) capable of adjusting a restraint load in the first direction, the restraint load being applied by the restraint mechanism (400, 500). The restraint force adjustment mechanism (900, 1000) includes an operation portion (920, 1010) to be operated when adjusting the restraint load. The operation portion (920, 1010) is provided on the battery module (1).