Insulating Holder for Battery Terminal Isolation and Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effectiveness of restraining bars in securing automotive traction batteries is compromised by the presence of electrical terminals on the top surface, which reduce the contact area and require electrical isolation, limiting the securement of the battery in hybrid electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An insulating holder is positioned between the top surface of the battery cell and the terminal, extending outward in a direction normal to the surface, preventing the restraint from contacting the terminal and increasing the contact area for securement, while maintaining electrical isolation through an insulating layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a restraining bar is used to secure the battery, then the battery is secured in the vehicle, but the contact area is reduced by electrical terminals on the top surface
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the restraining bar and the battery terminal. The holder has a first portion that contacts the terminal and a second portion that extends beyond the terminal, providing a contact surface for the restraining bar. This mediator allows the restraining bar to secure the battery effectively while preventing direct contact with the terminal, thus resolving the contradiction between securement effectiveness and contact area availability.
2Reliability
If an electrically conductive restraining bar is used, then the battery is secured, but electrical isolation from the terminal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating holder serves as an electrical intermediary that breaks the conductive path between the restraining bar and the battery terminal. The holder's insulating material properties provide electrical isolation while its structural design maintains mechanical securement, thus resolving the contradiction between securement effectiveness and electrical isolation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating holder is made from composite materials that combine mechanical strength for securement with electrical insulation properties. This allows a single component to satisfy both the mechanical securement function and the electrical isolation requirement, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery is mounted in a hybrid electric automotive vehicle. The battery is held by a restraining bar across top surfaces of a plurality of cells that comprise the battery. A holder is located between the cells and restraining bar to increase a contact area between the restraining bar and the battery.