Magnetic Locking Battery Pack Assembly Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery pack assembly methods are time-consuming and costly, and existing solutions for disconnecting and shunting faulty accumulators in high-voltage battery packs are complex and lack efficient magnetic locking/unlocking mechanisms for safe and continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a honeycomb structure with magnetic levitation and magnetic locking/unlocking mechanisms using permanent magnets and coils for efficient assembly and disconnection of battery packs, allowing for magnetic levitation and mechanical/electrical connection/disconnection of accumulators, and a BMS-controlled magnetic switching system for safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mechanical assembly methods are used to connect battery accumulators to busbars, then the connection is reliable and stable, but the assembly time is long and production cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or welding) with a magnetic field-based connection system. Permanent magnets integrated into the busbar assembly generate magnetic attraction forces that securely hold the battery accumulators in place, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The magnetic field automatically guides the battery accumulators into the correct position and maintains secure connection without requiring external fastening operations or complex assembly procedures, thereby improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If magnetic locking mechanisms are added to enable quick disconnection of faulty accumulators, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisconnection easeVSAvoidmagnetic control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic magnetic control system where the magnetic field strength can be adjusted in real-time. By controlling the current supplied to electromagnetic coils, the system can switch between strong magnetic attraction (for secure connection) and weak or zero magnetic field (for easy disconnection), enabling quick removal of faulty accumulators without manual force or complex mechanical release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure mechanical retention, enables electrical connection, and allows for controlled disconnection. The same electromagnetic system that creates the magnetic field for attraction can also be used to actuate electrical contacts or switches, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

3Productivity

If magnetic fields are used for connection and disconnection control, then the productivity increases and operation ease improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly efficiencyVSAvoidcoil energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses permanent magnets to establish the baseline magnetic field required for connection, eliminating the need for continuous electromagnetic coil activation during normal operation. The coils are only energized temporarily during connection or disconnection events, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity benefits from the magnetic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic coils are activated in periodic pulses only when connection or disconnection is required, rather than continuously. This pulsed operation mode minimizes energy consumption while still providing the productivity and operational ease benefits of magnetic control, as the system returns to a low-energy permanent magnet-only state during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach reduces assembly time and cost, ensures safe and continuous operation of battery packs by enabling efficient magnetic connection and disconnection of accumulators, and effectively manages thermal runaway and electrical disconnection in high-voltage systems.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic lock comprising a permanent magnet and an electrically conductive wire wound forming a coil intended to generate a magnetic field parallel to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic force of attraction of the permanent magnet of the output terminal on the closing plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

an electrically conductive wire wound forming a coil intended to generate a magnetic field parallel to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3624221A1Method for assembling a battery pack of electrochemical storage batteries to busbars by magnetic locking
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3624221A1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3624221A1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B
  • EP3624221A1 patent drawingFigure 7A~8A

AI summary

The invention essentially consists of a battery pack assembly (P) by inserting the accumulators (Al, A2...) into a honeycomb structure (11), with magnetic levitation and then the application of a magnetic field allowing the mechanical and electrical connection of the accumulators by magnetic locking.