Battery Cell Connector Layout for Integrated Cooling and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for electrical energy require significant effort to assemble and integrate cooling systems, which can hinder tolerance compensation and efficient temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A storage device design that minimizes assembly effort by using a connecting element to surround storage cells, forming a temperature-control zone with minimal components, and allowing efficient temperature control without additional sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If storage cells are inserted into holding devices with mechanical or material closure, then the storage device can be assembled, but the assembly effort is great and tolerance compensation is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element merges multiple functions: it connects storage cells electrically in series, provides mechanical retention, and forms the temperature-control zone boundary. This eliminates separate holding devices and cooling system components, reducing assembly effort while maintaining structural integrity and tolerance compensation capability
2Temperature
If additional cooling systems with cooling pipes and plates are integrated, then temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is merged with the temperature-control zone boundary, eliminating the need for separate cooling pipes and plates. The connecting element itself serves as the structural boundary that defines the temperature-control zone, achieving efficient temperature control while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element performs multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection between cells, mechanical retention of cells, and serving as the boundary for the temperature-control zone. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling system components
3Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical or material closure is used to link storage cells, then the storage device can be assembled, but tolerance compensation of storage cells is hampered or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element provides a dynamic connection that allows for tolerance compensation. Rather than rigid mechanical or material closure, the connecting element enables adaptive positioning of storage cells while maintaining electrical connection and mechanical retention, preserving both stability and adaptability
4Reliability
If multiple sealing elements and components are used to prevent fluid leakage, then the temperature-control fluid can be contained, but the assembly effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element serves as both the structural connector and the fluid barrier. By merging the retention function and the sealing function into a single component, the need for multiple separate sealing elements is eliminated, reducing assembly effort while maintaining reliable fluid containment
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
The solution enables efficient temperature control with reduced assembly effort and minimal installation space, while maintaining mechanical stability and preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element can preferably form a barrier which can counteract the transfer of a temperature-control fluid, which can be guided in the temperature-control zone, from the temperature-control zone into the adjacent zone
Implementation Method 2
a temperature-control fluid, which can be guided in the temperature-control zone
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, the storage device comprising the following: a plurality of storage cells; a connecting element that connects at least two of the storage cells; and a temperature control zone on one side of the connecting element; wherein the storage cells that are connected by the connecting element extend into the temperature control zone or through the temperature control zone; wherein the connecting element surrounds the cell casings of the storage cells that are connected by the connecting element and delimits the temperature control zone with respect to an adjacent zone; and wherein the connecting element may preferably form a barrier by way of which a passage of a temperature control fluid, which can be conducted in the temperature control zone, from the temperature control zone into the adjacent zone can be counteracted.