Locking Connector Structure to Prevent Battery Module Pin Dislodgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pluggable connectors for energy storage modules, particularly in battery packs, suffer from pin dislodgement issues under heavy impact, leading to unreliable connections and permanent damage, which complicates reliable stacking and mounting of energy storage modules.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with mounting holes and grooves, a locking structure with limiting and locating protrusions, and a temperature sensor, ensuring secure connection and preventing pin dislodgement even under heavy impact, with features like sliding rails and stop protrusions for stable mounting and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pluggable connector is used for connecting battery packs, then the connector can be easily installed and removed, but the terminal (pin, pin needle) is weak in retention under heavy impact and pin dislodgement is likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a housing structure, a connection terminal with limiting groove, and a separate locking structure with limiting protrusion. This segmentation allows the connection and locking functions to be independently optimized, enabling easy insertion while ensuring reliable retention under impact loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to automatically engage with the connection terminal upon insertion, performing the locking action preliminarily before any impact occurs. The limiting protrusion on the locking structure automatically enters the limiting groove on the connection terminal, pre-establishing the retention mechanism that prevents pin dislodgement under subsequent heavy impact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows easy pluggable connection for battery pack stacking, then mounting flexibility is improved, but pin dislodgement occurs under heavy impact making the connector permanently damaged and unreparable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure serves as a protective mechanism that cushions against the harmful effect of impact forces before they can damage the connection terminal. By pre-engaging the limiting protrusion in the limiting groove, the structure absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing pin dislodgement and avoiding permanent damage that would require replacement rather than repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure converts the potential harm of impact forces into a beneficial retention mechanism. The limiting protrusion and limiting groove are designed to engage under normal insertion forces and maintain engagement under impact loads, transforming what could be a damaging force into a confirming signal that the connection is properly secured and protected.
3Reliability
If a locking structure is added to prevent pin dislodgement under heavy impact, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is merged with the overall connector assembly rather than being a separate add-on component. The limiting protrusion on the locking structure integrates with the limiting groove on the connection terminal, creating a unified locking mechanism that enhances reliability without requiring additional external parts or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to automatically engage and lock the connection terminal without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The limiting protrusion self-engageS with the limiting groove upon insertion, and the spring mechanism automatically maintains the locked state, allowing the connector to self-lock and maintain connection reliability without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector, an energy storage module, and an energy storage apparatus are disclosed, and relate to the field of energy technologies, to resolve a problem that a connector terminal is prone to pin dislodgement. The connector includes a housing, a first connection terminal, and a locking structure. A first mounting hole extending in a first direction and a mounting groove extending in a second direction are provided on the housing, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first connection terminal is inserted into the first mounting hole, and a limiting groove is provided on the first connection terminal. The locking structure is slidably connected to the mounting groove, a limiting protrusion is disposed on the locking structure, and when the locking structure slides to a first position, the limiting protrusion is in the limiting groove, to limit the first connection terminal from moving in the first direction. When the foregoing structure is used, pluggable mounting between energy storage modules can be implemented. In a stacking process of the energy storage modules, even if the connectors are subjected to heavy impact, pin dislodgement does not occur, and connection reliability can be ensured regardless of oblique insertion or vertical drop.