Power Storage Cell Alignment Under Sequential Compression

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power storage module manufacturing methods face challenges in precisely aligning stacked power storage cells, leading to inefficiencies in cell positioning and restraint.

Innovation Solution

A method involving sequential compression and alignment steps along orthogonal directions, followed by restraint application, ensures precise alignment of power storage cells in multiple axes using specialized jigs and restraint members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the stack is pressed and restrained in the stacking direction while power storage cells are not sufficiently aligned, then the cells cannot be corrected to intended positions, but applying pressing force before alignment makes subsequent alignment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of power storage cellsVSAvoidcomplexity of compression and alignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into distinct sequential stages: first alignment in the width direction, then compression in the stacking direction, followed by restraint application. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently, achieving precise alignment without the complexity of simultaneous multi-directional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment in the width direction is performed as a preliminary action before applying compression force in the stacking direction. By pre-aligning the cells laterally, the subsequent compression operation can focus solely on vertical positioning and restraint, simplifying the overall process while ensuring high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If pressing force is applied to compress power storage cells, then the cells are restrained in position, but the cells cannot be aligned in orthogonal directions during compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision in orthogonal directionVSAvoidease of alignment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment in the width direction is performed as a preliminary action before applying compression force in the stacking direction. By pre-aligning the cells laterally, the subsequent compression operation can focus solely on vertical positioning and restraint, simplifying the overall process while ensuring high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attempting to align cells while applying compression force (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the sequence by first aligning cells in the width direction without compression, then applying compression force. This reversal of the operational sequence makes alignment significantly easier and more precise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If restraint portion is disposed on both sides during compression, then cells are securely restrained, but cells cannot be aligned after compression is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of power storage cellsVSAvoidtime for alignment after compression

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment in the width direction is performed as a preliminary action before applying compression force in the stacking direction. By pre-aligning the cells laterally, the subsequent compression operation can focus solely on vertical positioning and restraint, simplifying the overall process while ensuring high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The process dynamically adjusts the state of compression and alignment operations. Alignment in the width direction is performed when compression force is relieved (cells are more movable), then compression is applied for restraint, eliminating the need for post-compression alignment adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables precise alignment of power storage cells in multiple directions, enhancing the stability and secure joining of cells within the module, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the power storage module.

Implementation Method 1

compressing the plurality of power storage cells along the first direction; aligning the plurality of power storage cells in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction after relieving pressing force of the compressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

aligning the plurality of power storage cells in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction after relieving pressing force of the compressing of the plurality of power storage cells along the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11777169B2Method of manufacturing power storage module

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a power storage module includes: stacking a plurality of power storage cells along a first direction; compressing the plurality of power storage cells along the first direction; aligning the plurality of power storage cells in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction after relieving pressing force of the compressing; compressing the plurality of power storage cells along the first direction after aligning the plurality of power storage cells in the second direction; disposing a restraint portion on both sides in the first direction with respect to the plurality of power storage cells under application of pressing force of the compressing; and restraining the plurality of power storage cells by the restraint portion along the first direction by relieving, after disposing the restraint portion, the pressing force of the compressing.