Detachable Battery Module Coupling for Recycling and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries face challenges in resource conservation and recycling due to the use of welding connections, which are disadvantageous for maintenance and circular economy, and are limited in size by the need for efficient heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical cascading system for battery cell modules using male and female connecting elements that allow non-destructive, detachable connections, including designs such as plug, screw, and snap connections, with optional cotter pins and threadlock for secure attachment, and tubular configurations for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells are connected by welding, then interconnection resistance is reduced, but maintenance and recycling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular battery cell modules that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each module contains one or more battery cells with connecting elements at both ends, allowing the system to be segmented into replaceable units that facilitate maintenance and recycling while maintaining low interconnection resistance through direct mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional welding process with a mechanical connecting system. Instead of permanently fusing cells through welding, the invention uses male and female connecting elements that create electrically conductive mechanical connections, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining low contact resistance.
2Weight of moving object
If larger individual cells are constructed, then weight proportion of passive material is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple smaller battery cell modules rather than using fewer large cells. This segmentation allows each module to maintain efficient heat dissipation characteristics while the overall system achieves reduced passive material weight proportion through optimized module design and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by arranging battery cell modules in cascaded configurations with connecting elements extending along the longitudinal axis. This spatial arrangement optimizes both heat dissipation surface area and the weight proportion of passive materials by efficiently distributing active and passive components across multiple dimensions.
3Ease of repair
If mechanical cascading with detachable connections is implemented, then maintenance and recycling are improved, but connection security may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary securing actions into the connecting element design, including features such as positioning elements, guiding structures, and pre-configured locking mechanisms that ensure secure connections are automatically established during assembly, preventing accidental separation while maintaining ease of intentional disassembly for maintenance and recycling.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A battery cell module for mechanically cascading a plurality of battery cell modules is proposed, wherein a male connecting element is arranged at the first end of a longitudinal axis of the battery cell module and a female connecting element is arranged at the second end of the longitudinal axis of the battery cell module. The connecting elements are designed to mechanically cascade at least two battery cell modules by means of a non-destructively detachable direct connection of the connecting elements. The invention further relates to a battery cell module system.