Electrochemical Cell Assembly Module with Interlocking Connecting Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical modules with gas electrode cells face challenges in optimizing gas circulation and electrical connections, particularly in terms of space efficiency, mass reduction, and vibration resistance, which affect the performance and reliability of metal-gas type batteries used in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a connection support system with interlocking clamps that securely connect multiple gas electrode cells in a staggered arrangement, allowing for efficient gas distribution and reliable electrical connections, while also providing mechanical stability against vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cells are arranged in a compact configuration to reduce module volume, then space efficiency is improved, but gas circulation to gas electrodes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule volumeVSAvoidgas circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into multiple cell assemblies, each with dedicated gas distribution channels. The gas distribution plate is segmented to provide individual flow paths to each cell's gas electrodes, ensuring adequate gas supply even in compact configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas distribution is achieved by transitioning from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structure with vertical gas channels and horizontal distribution paths. This multi-dimensional approach allows efficient gas circulation within a compact volume by utilizing space in multiple directions.

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

2Reliability

If connection elements are made robust to resist vibrations, then connection reliability is improved, but module mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmodule mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements incorporate elastic or flexible components that can dynamically adapt to vibration forces. This dynamic design allows the connections to maintain reliability under vibrational stress without requiring excessive mass, as the elements can flex and return to their original position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements are constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. These composite structures deliver the necessary mechanical strength and vibration resistance while minimizing the added mass compared to traditional solid metal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If cell terminals are closely spaced to reduce module size, then space efficiency is improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Connection plates serve as intermediary elements between closely spaced cell terminals. These plates provide a stable mounting surface and reliable electrical pathway, allowing terminals to be positioned close together while maintaining connection integrity through the mediating connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection plates perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection, mechanical support, and thermal management. This multi-functionality allows for compact terminal spacing while maintaining reliability, as a single element addresses multiple requirements rather than requiring separate components for each function.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3114726B1Assembly module comprising electrochemical cells received by lugs and connecting clips
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3114726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3114726B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3114726B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The main subject of the invention is an electrochemical assembly module (10) of a system for storing energy, comprising an assembly of a plurality of elementary gas-electrode electrochemical cells (1), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of lugs (2) respectively associated with the plurality of elementary electrochemical cells (1), the lugs (2) being connected together by a connecting holder (3) and receiving the terminals (B+, B-) of the elementary electrochemical cells (1) so that said terminals (B+, B-) are all electrically connected to one another by the connecting holder (3), and a plurality of elements forming connecting clips (4) each receiving at least two terminals (Β+, B-) of at least two elementary electrochemical cells (1) so that said at least two terminals (Β+, B-) are electrically connected to each other by the element forming a connecting clip (4) that is associated therewith.