Battery Wiring Module Positioning via Interlocking Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

In battery modules for electric and hybrid cars, connecting members at the ends of serial connections face challenges in achieving high dimensional accuracy due to their elongated shape and susceptibility to dimensional errors, making precise positioning difficult.

Innovation Solution

The battery wiring module employs a structure where second connecting members are positioned through engagement between concave engaged portions on the members and convex engaging portions on the partition walls, limiting movement and allowing for higher accuracy without extending edges to the walls, thus reducing material usage and tolerance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connecting members are elongated to connect to external devices, then connectivity is improved, but dimensional accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity to external devicesVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into two distinct parts: a first connecting member for internal series connections and a second connecting member for external device connections. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the first connecting member can be short and precise for internal connections, while the second connecting member handles external connectivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the battery module use different connecting member configurations. Internal connecting members between adjacent cells are short and standardized, while external connecting members at the ends are separately positioned. This local differentiation ensures high dimensional accuracy where needed while maintaining connectivity flexibility where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If connecting members are simply sandwiched between walls for positioning, then ease of manufacture is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of positioningVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning members are introduced as intermediary elements between the connecting members and the partition walls. These positioning members provide precise location references that ensure accurate positioning of the first and second connecting members, while still maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If second connecting members are positioned by extending edges to partition walls, then positioning accuracy is improved, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning members serve as intermediaries that enable accurate positioning of the second connecting members without requiring them to extend all the way to the partition walls. The positioning members provide the necessary location reference at a shorter distance, reducing material consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2775547B1Battery wiring module
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • EP2775547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2775547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2775547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An battery wiring module 20 comprises first connecting members (21) that connect adjacent electrode terminals (12A, 12B) of a plurality of electric cells (11) to serially connect the plurality of electric cells (11); second connecting members (24A, 24B), one end of each of which is connected to the electrode terminal (12A, 12B) at one end of the serial connection and the other end of each of which is connected to an external conductive member; and a resin protector (32) that holds the first connecting members (21) and the second connecting members (24A, 24B). The resin protector (32) includes first holding portions (33) that hold the first connecting members (21) and second holding portions (37) that hold the second connecting members (24A, 24B). Concave engaged portions (27) (engaged portions) are provided in the second connecting members (24A, 24B) and convex engaging portions (42) (engaging portions) are provided in the second holding portions (37) for engaging the concave engaged portions (27) to limit the movement of the second connecting members (24A, 24B).