Battery Module Connector Alignment With Nested Guide Pin and Boss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector alignment systems for battery modules face challenges in space-limited environments, as they require sufficient protrusion for guide pins, which can be impractical in compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A connector position alignment assembly featuring a guide structure with a guide pin and guide boss that protrude beyond the connectors, allowing the guide pin to be accommodated within the guide boss before coupling, eliminating the need for additional space on the opposite side, and utilizing substrates with strategically placed holes and guide bosses of varying cross-sections and orientations to facilitate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a guide pin protrudes to the other side of the guide hole for connector alignment, then connector positioning accuracy is improved, but space requirement increases making it difficult to apply in space-limited environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector positioning accuracyVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide pin is nested within the guide boss structure. The guide boss provides a recessed space that accommodates the guide pin, allowing the guide pin to function for alignment without protruding beyond the module boundaries. This nesting approach maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating the need for additional protrusion space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional protrusion solution to a three-dimensional integrated structure. By creating a guide boss with internal recess space, the alignment function is achieved through vertical dimension utilization rather than horizontal protrusion, effectively solving the space limitation problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a guide pin and guide hole structure is used for connector alignment, then alignment function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide boss integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the alignment recess for the guide pin, serves as a structural support element, and acts as a positioning feature for the connector. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide boss structure serves multiple purposes within the connector assembly: it guides the guide pin for alignment, provides structural support, and establishes precise positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated alignment components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4366055A1Connector position alignment assembly and battery module including the same
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4366055A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4366055A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4366055A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A connector position alignment assembly includes a first part and a second part coupled to each other through a connector and including a guide portion aligning a position of the connector. The guide portion is provided with a guide pin and a guide boss including portions protruding toward each other, and the guide pin and the guide boss respectively protrude further than the connector, in a direction in which the first part and the second part face each other, such that a portion of the guide pin is accommodated in the guide boss before the connectors are coupled to each other.