Power Storage Cell Terminal Recess for Low-Height Bus Bar Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage modules face challenges in easily arranging components like bus bars for connecting power storage cells due to the placement of external terminals on side surfaces of the case.

Innovation Solution

The power storage cell design includes an external terminal with a recess on its side surface, allowing for easy placement and adjustment of a bus bar, which is also embedded in a band that surrounds the cells, facilitating connections between cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If external terminals are placed on the side surface of the case to reduce module height, then the module height is reduced, but the arrangement of bus bars becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule heightVSAvoidarrangement of bus bar

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The external terminal is designed with a recessed portion at its distal end, creating a localized structural feature that facilitates bus bar arrangement. This recessed portion provides a dedicated space for inserting and securing the bus bar, making the connection process easier while maintaining the side-surface terminal configuration that reduces module height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Length of stationary object

If external terminals are placed on the side surface of the case, then module height is reduced, but component arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule heightVSAvoidcomponent arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed portion is pre-formed as an integral part of the external terminal structure during terminal manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the mounting feature eliminates the need for additional complex arrangement steps during module assembly, reducing component arrangement complexity while maintaining the height-reducing side-surface terminal configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If bus bar is connected to external terminal on side surface, then module height is reduced, but ease of detachment and reconnection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule heightVSAvoiddetachment and reconnection of bus bar

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed portion acts as an intermediary structure between the bus bar and the external terminal body. It provides a dedicated insertion space that facilitates easy detachment and reconnection of the bus bar, while the external terminal maintains its side-surface configuration that reduces module height. The recessed portion serves as the mediating feature that enables both compact design and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4462561B1Power storage cell and power storage module

Publication Date: 2025.03.05 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

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AI summary

A power storage cell (10) includes an electrode assembly (100), a cell case (200), and an external terminal (300). The cell case (200) houses the electrode assembly (100). The external terminal (300) is fixed to the cell case (200). The external terminal (300) includes a first terminal portion (310) and a second terminal portion (320). The first terminal portion (310) is arranged above the cell case (200). The second terminal portion (320) extends from the first terminal portion (310) along the side surface of the cell case (200). The second terminal portion (320) is provided with a recess (321). The recess (321) is formed on a surface of the second terminal portion (320) opposite to the other surface thereof that faces the cell case (200).