Battery Spacer Rib Structure for Shock-Stable Cell Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage apparatuses with metal cases suffer from shock and vibration propagation, leading to potential damage and reliability issues due to uncontrolled movement of energy storage devices within the case.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a side spacer with ribs that contact energy storage devices, paired with end spacers, to restrict movement and align devices accurately, using a simple configuration that includes a metal case to stabilize the device array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal case is used to provide high mechanical strength, then shock resistance of the energy storage apparatus improves, but shock and vibration propagate to the energy storage devices causing movement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component between the metal case and the energy storage devices. This holder absorbs and isolates shock and vibration from the metal case, preventing direct transmission to the energy storage devices while maintaining the structural strength benefits of the metal case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the containment structure into multiple functional components: the metal case for overall structural strength, the holder for shock absorption and device positioning, and individual positioning structures for each energy storage device. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems independently.
2Stability of the object's composition
If engaging portions fixed by bolts are used to restrain vertical movement of battery modules, then movement restriction improves, but the configuration becomes complex requiring bolting operations and additional engagement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement restriction function into the holder structure itself through integrally formed positioning protrusions. These protrusions directly engage with recesses in the energy storage devices, eliminating the need for separate engaging portions and bolt fixation mechanisms while maintaining effective movement restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's positioning protrusions are designed to automatically align and engage with the energy storage devices during assembly, eliminating the need for complex bolting operations. The structure serves its own positioning function through its geometric design rather than requiring additional fastening components.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage apparatus includes: an energy storage device array which includes a plurality of energy storage devices stacked in a first direction; a pair of end spacers; a side spacer, and a metal case. The side spacer is coupled to each of the pair of end spacers. The metal case accommodates the energy storage device array, the pair of end spacers, and the side spacer. The side spacer includes a rib protruding towards the energy storage device array. The rib is provided integrally with the side spacer, and is in contact with an energy storage device, among the plurality of energy storage devices, which is in a position facing the rib.