Battery Electrode Terminal with Guide Grooves for High Fastening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-output battery modules with non-aqueous electrolytes face challenges in achieving strong fastening forces while reducing manufacturing costs and time, particularly in connecting battery cells in series for high-power applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The electrode terminal design features a first sub-terminal with guide grooves and a second sub-terminal with guides that engage in a sliding manner, including a third guide with a vertical and horizontal member, and protrusion with threads, allowing for increased fastening force without welding and reducing manufacturing costs and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening methods are used to connect battery cells, then manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but fastening force and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode terminal is divided into a first sub-terminal and a second sub-terminal that are separately formed and then connected through guide grooves and guides. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently and then joined together, achieving strong fastening force while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves are formed within the first sub-terminal, and the guides of the second sub-terminal are inserted into these grooves. This nested structure creates a secure fit that enhances fastening force while keeping the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.
2Strength
If welding is used to connect sub-terminals, then fastening force is increased, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (a thermal process) with a mechanical connection system using guide grooves and guides. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment and processes, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining strong fastening force through the precise fit of the guides in the grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves are pre-formed in the first sub-terminal during its manufacturing process, and the guides are pre-formed in the second sub-terminal. This preliminary action allows both parts to be ready for connection without requiring time-consuming welding operations, thus reducing overall manufacturing time while ensuring strong fastening.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple connection structures are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability against external forces and shocks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure combines the first sub-terminal with guide grooves and the second sub-terminal with guides to form a composite assembly. This composite structure provides enhanced durability against external forces and shocks while keeping the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective, as each component can be manufactured using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves and guides are designed with specific local geometries that concentrate strength where needed. The grooves are formed at specific locations on the first sub-terminal, and the corresponding guides on the second sub-terminal are shaped to fit precisely, providing localized reinforcement that enhances overall durability without requiring complex structures throughout the entire assembly.
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
This design enhances the fastening force between sub-terminals, improves durability against external forces and shocks, and reduces manufacturing costs and time, with a 10-fold increase in durability compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second sub-terminal including a plurality of guides that are fastened to the guide grooves in a sliding manner
Implementation Method 2
A thread may be formed on the protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode terminal and battery module having the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the electrode terminal includes a first sub-terminal including a plurality of guide grooves and a second sub-terminal including a plurality of guides configured to be respectively inserted into the guide grooves in a sliding manner. At least one of the guide grooves is formed in an upper surface of the first sub-terminal.