Insulating Fastening Member for Energy Storage Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems are prone to liquid junctions or short circuits due to water droplets from dew condensation, which can intrude between components and cause electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage apparatus is designed with an insulating member between the energy storage device and a conductive fastening member, featuring an insulating adjoining member and a conductive opposite member, where an insulating projection prevents water droplets from reaching the fastening point, thereby preventing electrical contact and short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal fixing screw is used to fasten the intermediate reinforcing plate to the binding bar, then the fastening strength is improved, but the risk of liquid junction due to water droplet intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating member (resin material) is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive fastening member and the intermediate reinforcing plate. This insulating member fills the space around the fastening screw, preventing water droplets from reaching the metal fastening member while maintaining the mechanical fastening function. The insulating member acts as a mediator that simultaneously addresses both the fastening strength requirement and the liquid junction prevention requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening structure uses a composite material approach by combining the metal fastening member (for strength) with the insulating resin material (for liquid junction prevention). The insulating member is formed by injecting resin into a mold that includes the fastening member, creating a composite structure where the resin penetrates and bonds with the metal fastening member, achieving both mechanical strength and electrical insulation properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate reinforcing plate is directly fastened to the binding bar with metal screws, then the structural stability is improved, but the vulnerability to water intrusion and short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member serves as a mediator between the intermediate reinforcing plate and the binding bar, filling the gaps and spaces around the metal fastening member. This intermediary resin material prevents water droplets from reaching the conductive components while maintaining the structural stability provided by the metal fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member forms a flexible protective barrier around the fastening member, conforming to the contours of the metal screw and filling irregular spaces. This flexible insulating shell prevents water intrusion pathways while allowing the rigid metal fastening member to provide structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage apparatus includes: an energy storage device; an insulating adjoining member adjoining the energy storage device in a first direction; a conductive opposite member facing the energy storage device and the adjoining member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; an insulating member disposed between the energy storage device and adjoining member and the opposite member; and a conductive fastening member disposed through the insulating member in the second direction to fasten the adjoining member to the opposite member. At least one of the adjoining member and the insulating member includes an opposite projection projecting toward an other of the adjoining member and the insulating member and facing a periphery of the fastening member, and the opposite projection is in contact with the other of the adjoining member and the insulating member.