Battery Cell Retaining Device With Positive-Locking Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module retaining devices require high contact pressure, making precise positioning of battery cells for uniform heat dissipation and manufacturing tolerances challenging, leading to a non-positive-locking connection.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device using at least two mechanically releasable retaining elements with complementary fastening means, such as guide rails and grooves, and pressure plates, allowing for precise positioning and a positive-locking connection, which reduces weight and enhances vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high contact pressure is applied to hold battery cells together, then the battery cells are securely retained in the battery module, but precise positioning of battery cells for uniform heat dissipation and positive-locking connection becomes impossible due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is divided into multiple retaining elements (at least two), each independently engaging with battery cells through fastening means. This segmentation allows each element to provide localized retention without requiring uniform high contact pressure across all cells, thereby accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening means act as intermediary elements between the retaining device and battery cells, providing a positive-locking connection that accommodates manufacturing tolerances. These fastening means enable precise positioning and uniform heat dissipation without requiring excessive contact pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between retention strength and positioning precision.
2Strength
If welded retaining devices are used to hold battery cells under high contact pressure, then the battery module structure is strong and stable, but the weight of the battery module increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welded mechanical connections with a snap-fit or clip-based fastening system. The fastening means engage with complementary features on battery cells through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for welding operations and reducing material weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements utilize elastic deformation parameters to achieve retention. By designing the fastening means with appropriate elasticity and geometric features, the system achieves strong retention through controlled elastic energy storage and release, replacing rigid welded connections with flexible elastic mechanisms that are lighter and easier to manufacture.
3Strength
If conventional welding methods are used to connect retaining elements, then the connection is strong and durable, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding processes with mechanical snap-fit or clip-based fastening mechanisms. The fastening means are designed to engage with complementary features on battery cells through simple insertion and elastic locking, eliminating complex welding operations while maintaining connection strength and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means are designed to self-align and self-lock into place through geometric features and elastic deformation. The retaining elements automatically secure themselves to battery cells without requiring external welding equipment or complex assembly procedures, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring strong connections.
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 precise positioning of battery cells for uniform heat dissipation, reduces the likelihood of module failure, and extends the range of electric vehicles by using lighter materials and improving structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The static friction between the forms is advantageously determined by varying the size of the form or of the inverted form, by way of example a connection is produced, wherein there is a small gap between the forms of fastening means and said connection is particularly vibration-resistant.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining device for at least one battery cell, wherein the retaining device comprises at least two retaining elements, wherein each retaining element comprises at least one fastening means, wherein the at least two retaining elements are mechanically detachably connected by means of the fastening means.