Battery Module Restraint Structure With Fluid Load Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices face challenges in uniformly applying a restraint load to the module stacked body when the restraint member, such as end plates, deform due to bending at their edge portions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deformable intermediate member with a fluid-filled package between the restraint member and the modular structure, which maintains constant internal pressure despite varying compression, ensuring uniform load application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film having electrical insulation property is provided on the end plate surface, then insulation between the end plate and module stacked body is achieved, but the restraint load is applied to the module stacked body via the film which may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate member comprising a fluid-filled package between the end plate and module stacked body. This intermediate member acts as a mediator that transmits the restraint load uniformly to the module stacked body while maintaining electrical insulation. The fluid-filled package deforms to compensate for end plate deformation, ensuring uniform load distribution across the insulated interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If bolts are disposed at the edge portion of end plates, then fastening of end plates is simplified, but the end plates may deform such that edge portions bend toward each other when restraint load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the intermediate member from rigid to flexible by using a fluid-filled package. This parameter change allows the intermediate member to deform and absorb the shape changes of the end plates, compensating for the bending of edge portions while maintaining uniform load transmission to the module stacked body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate member made of elastic material is used, then the intermediate member can be compressed with different amounts for each position, but the restraint load varies depending on position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid-filled package as the intermediate member, utilizing hydraulic principles. The incompressible fluid inside the package ensures that pressure is uniformly distributed throughout the intermediate member regardless of external deformation. This allows the intermediate member to adapt to different compression amounts at different positions while maintaining uniform restraint load transmission to the module stacked body.
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 solution allows for uniform application of restraint load to the power storage module even when the restraint member deforms, reducing displacement and enhancing structural integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
if an intermediate member configured by enclosing a fluid such as a liquid or a gas in a package that can be deformed according to a restraint load is used, even if the intermediate member is compressed with a different amount of compression for each position, a pressure inside the package is kept constant
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage device includes: a modular structure including at least one power storage module, the power storage module having an electrode stacked body and a sealing member, the electrode stacked body having bipolar electrodes, and the sealing member sealing a side surface of the electrode stacked body; a pair of restraint members disposed at both ends of the modular structure in the first direction to apply a restraint load to the modular structure; and a first intermediate member interposed between the restraint member and the modular structure to transmit the restraint load from the restraint member to the modular structure, wherein the first intermediate member includes a first package that is deformable according to the restraint load and a fluid that is enclosed in the first package.