Elastic Cell Interconnect Assembly for Demountable Battery Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection systems for electrochemical cells in batteries are either permanently fixed, making dismantling impossible, or lack sufficient mechanical strength and electrical power transmission when demountable.
Innovation Solution
A demountable interconnection system using interconnection elements with fixing and contact surfaces forming constrained angles between 45° and 85°, allowing for easy installation and uninstallation, and featuring elastic deformation for secure electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stamped metal parts are soldered to terminals to ensure optimal electrical contact, then electrical connection quality is improved, but disassembly capability deteriorates (non-destructive disassembly is not allowed)
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device is divided into separate components: a first interconnection element fixed to the first terminal and a second interconnection element fixed to the second terminal. These elements can be independently removed from their respective terminals, enabling disassembly while maintaining reliable electrical contact during operation. The electrical connection is achieved through the association of the two elements rather than through permanent soldering.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection elements act as intermediary components between the terminals. Instead of directly soldering metal parts to terminals, the patent uses these intermediate elements that can be fixed to terminals and then associated with each other to create the electrical connection. This intermediary structure allows for both reliable connection and potential disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If demountable systems are used to allow disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical strength and electrical power transmission deteriorate (insufficient results)
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces of the interconnection elements are designed with specific geometric configurations (inclined planes, curved surfaces) that create optimal contact when the elements are associated. The angled contact surfaces (with angles between 10° and 45° relative to the perpendicular) ensure large contact area and uniform pressure distribution, thereby maintaining mechanical strength and electrical power transmission capability while allowing demountable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection elements are pre-fixed to their respective terminals before the association step. This preliminary fixation ensures that when the elements are brought together, the electrical connection is immediately established with proper mechanical strength. The pre-prepared configuration allows for strong connections without requiring complex assembly equipment.
3Reliability
If complex interconnection devices are used to improve mechanical strength and electrical transmission, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase (requiring expensive equipment)
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device is segmented into two independent elements that can be manufactured separately using simple processes. Each element has a fixing surface for attachment to a terminal and a contact surface for electrical connection. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving reliable overall performance through their association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the interconnection elements, such as the angles of contact surfaces (10° to 45° relative to perpendicular), the shapes of fixing surfaces, and the dimensions of the elements. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves high mechanical strength and electrical transmission capability without requiring complex structures or expensive manufacturing equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy assembly and disassembly of electrochemical cells while ensuring robust mechanical strength and effective electrical connection, facilitating replacement and optimizing electrical transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surfaces of the first and second interconnecting elements exert a force on each other along an assembly direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell interconnection assembly (10), said assembly comprising two electrochemical cells (12, 14), each comprising a terminal (22, 24); and an interconnection device (16), comprising two interconnection elements (30, 32); each element comprising a mounting surface and a contact surface (36). The mounting surface of each interconnection element is adapted to be fixed to the terminal of a cell, in an installed configuration; such that the contact surfaces (36) of the interconnection elements exert a force on each other along an assembly direction (X); and - the contact surfaces are configured such that, in said installed configuration, said contact surfaces are arranged in a plane forming a constrained angle (a') with said assembly direction, said constrained angle being between 30° and 90°.