Battery Tube Assembly Locking Ring for Linear Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube assemblies for battery packs are cumbersome to disassemble due to the need for rotational movements in bayonet connections, which is impractical in limited spaces, and telescoped tubes lack sufficient security against unintended movements.
Innovation Solution
A tube assembly with a locking ring that provides a form-fit connection between tubes, allowing telescopic movement without rotation, using through slits and latch elements for secure engagement and easy disassembly, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bayonet connections are used to interconnect tubes, then the connection is secure and stable, but disassembly requires rotational movements that are cumbersome in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking ring with latch elements that can independently engage with counter-latch elements on the tubes. This segmentation allows the locking function to be separated from the connection function, enabling secure locking without requiring rotational movements for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotational bayonet connection where locking and unlocking both require rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using a linear push-to-release mechanism. The locking ring is pushed in the direction of tube insertion to release the latch elements, completely eliminating the need for rotational movements during disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If telescoped tubes are used for connection, then disassembly is simple without rotation, but the connection lacks sufficient security against unintended movements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary component between the two tubes. It features latch elements that engage with counter-latch elements on the tubes, providing a secure mechanical interlock that prevents unintended movements while maintaining the simplicity of linear assembly and disassembly operations.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure tube connections, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides lateral locking through latch elements, axial positioning through engagement with tube ends, and release functionality through push-to-release operation. This merging of functions into one integrated component avoids the complexity of multiple separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch elements and counter-latch elements are designed to automatically engage when tubes are inserted and locked together. The system is self-locking, requiring no additional fastening steps or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a tube assembly (20) for a fluid distribution system (42) of a battery pack (40) of a vehicle, and to a battery pack (40) for a vehicle, with a plurality of battery modules (41) and with a fluid distribution system (42). In order to facilitate assembling and disassembling the tube assembly (20), the tube assembly (20) comprises a connector tube (1, 23) with at least one through slit (2, 3) and with a locking ring (5) that can be placed into the slit (2, 3) in order to affix the connector tube (1, 23) to another tube (21).