Compact Energy Storage Apparatus with Nested Electrical Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Energy storage apparatuses with integrated electrical devices tend to have a large overall volume due to the arrangement of electrical conductors and devices, necessitating enlargement to accommodate these components effectively.

Innovation Solution

The energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage device with an electrode terminal, an outer housing, a first outer electrode, an electrical device inside the housing, and electrical conductors connecting the device and terminal in a configuration that minimizes volume by positioning the electrical device between the terminal and outer electrode, using a compact housing design and strategically placing conductors to prevent deformation and optimize space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical devices and conductors are integrated into the energy storage apparatus, then functional capability is improved, but overall volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidoverall volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical device is disposed inside the outer housing that contains the energy storage device, creating a nested structure where smaller components are placed within the space of larger components. This nesting approach allows functional integration while minimizing the overall volume of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the electrode terminal and first outer electrode on opposite sides of the electrical device in a plane along the surface of the energy storage device. This planar arrangement optimizes the use of two-dimensional space within the three-dimensional housing, reducing the volume required for conductor routing and device placement.

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

2Volume of stationary object

If electrical device is disposed inside outer housing, then space utilization is improved, but conductor arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidconductor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection path is segmented into distinct conductors: a first electrical conductor connecting the first outer electrode to the electrical device, and a second electrical conductor connecting the electrical device to the electrode terminal. This segmentation simplifies the routing and arrangement of conductors by dividing the connection path into manageable segments with specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different parts of the conductor system. The first electrical conductor is arranged to connect the outer electrode to the electrical device, while the second electrical conductor connects the electrical device to the terminal. Each conductor is positioned optimally for its specific connection task, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11489234B2Energy storage apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 GS YUASA INT LTD
  • US11489234B2 patent drawing
  • US11489234B2 patent drawing
  • US11489234B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage device including an electrode terminal which protrudes in a first direction, an outer housing containing the energy storage device, an outer electrode attached to an outside of the outer housing and protruding in the first direction, an electrical device disposed inside the outer housing, a first electrical conductor connecting the outer electrode and the electrical device, and a second electrical conductor connecting the electrical device and the electrode terminal. When viewed from the first direction, the electrical device is disposed between the electrode terminal and the outer electrode.