Electrochemical Cell Mounting Assembly for Individual Cell Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling and disassembling electrochemical cells in electric vehicle batteries do not allow for individual cell extraction without dismantling a significant part of the assembly, making mechanical assembly and disassembly inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A support system with movable bars and protuberances that allow for the secure assembly and easy disassembly of electrochemical cells, using a clamping mechanism to hold cells in place and facilitate individual cell removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cells are arranged aligned on a flat support and held by parallel plates, then mechanical assembly is achieved, but individual cell extraction requires dismantling significant part of the assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical assemblyVSAvoidindividual cell extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into multiple independent fixing devices (first and second fixing devices) that can operate independently on each cell. Each fixing device has movable bars with protuberances that engage with lugs on individual cells, allowing one cell to be released without affecting the fixation of other cells in the module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing system incorporates movable bars that can transition between different positions (first and second positions) to dynamically adjust the fixation state. The bars can move to engage or disengage from cell lugs, enabling easy individual cell removal while maintaining secure assembly during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed rigid support structure is used to hold cells, then mechanical stability is achieved, but disassembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates movable bars that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. These bars maintain stable cell fixation during operation but can be easily moved to release individual cells, reducing disassembly complexity without compromising mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protuberances on the movable bars act as intermediaries between the fixed support structure and the cell lugs. They provide a simple engagement interface that maintains stability when engaged but allows easy release when disengaged, simplifying the overall disassembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4274010A1Assembly for the formation of an electrical member comprising electrochemical cells and associated methods for mounting and removal
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 AUTOMOTIVE CELLS CO SE
  • EP4274010A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4274010A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4274010A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (10) for forming an electrical component, the assembly (10) comprising: - a support (12) having a base (18) and a first (20) and a second (22) fastening devices, the first fastening device (20) comprising a first bar having at least one first protrusion (38), and - at least one electrochemical cell (14) comprising a first fastening lug (54). The first bar (30) is movable in translation between a first initial position in which the first fastening lug (54) is at a distance from the first protrusion (38) and a first final position in which the first fastening lug (54) is in surface contact with the first protrusion (38) and in which the electrochemical cell (14) is maintained at a predetermined distance (d) from the base (18).