Cell Stack Gripping Assembly for Compression-Preserving Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently installing a cell stack within a battery pack while maintaining compression on the cell stack, particularly due to the need for precise handling and alignment of battery cells during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cell stack gripping system comprising gripper bars and clamp plates that grip the short sides of battery cells, coupled with an actuator assembly to maintain axial compression, allowing for secure installation into an enclosure structure while preserving the applied clamp load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the cell stack is handled and installed manually or with conventional equipment, then the installation process is simple, but the compression on the cell stack is lost during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is divided into separate functional components: gripper bars for lateral gripping, clamp plates for axial compression, and an actuator assembly for coordinated movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to maintain compression during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp plates serve as intermediaries between the cell stack and the enclosure structure. They transfer and maintain the compression force applied to the cell stack during installation, ensuring that the compression is preserved even when the stack is being handled and positioned.
2Force
If the gripper bars are moved close together to grip the cell stack, then the gripping force is increased, but the alignment precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly performs preliminary positioning of the gripper bars and clamp plates before final engagement. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment of the cell stack with the enclosure structure, and only after alignment is confirmed does the actuator move the gripper bars close together to engage firmly.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper bars and clamp plates are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions during the installation process. The actuator assembly controls this dynamic movement, enabling the system to adapt to slight variations in cell stack positioning while maintaining both alignment precision and gripping force.
3Strength
If the cell stack is compressed strongly to maintain structural integrity, then the compression is improved, but the risk of damaging the battery cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the compression parameter by adjusting the position and force application of the clamp plates through the actuator assembly. The compression is applied gradually and can be precisely controlled to maintain structural integrity without exceeding the damage threshold of the battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly provides feedback control for the compression force applied by the clamp plates. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal compression levels, adjusting the force in real-time to ensure structural integrity while preventing cell damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell stack gripping system includes a first gripper bar, a second gripper bar, a first clamp plate, a second clamp plate, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly can move the first and second gripper bars from a disengaged position with a cell stack to an engaged position with the cell stack. In the disengaged position, the first and second gripper bars are spaced further from each other than when the first and second gripper bars are in the engaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second gripper bars grip opposing sides of a cell stack having battery cells disposed along a cell stack axis. The opposing sides facing outward away from the cell stack axis. In the engaged position, the first and second gripper bars couple to the first and second clamp plates to hold an axial position of the battery cells.