Modular Battery Holding Element for Aircraft Fuselage Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cell holding elements lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to varying geometries and space constraints, particularly in applications like aircraft fuselages, and often result in increased weight and higher production costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular holding element with a receiving section for battery cells and a fixing portion for a holding plate, featuring a round outer contour and latching elements that allow form-fitting fixation, enabling adaptable arrangements and reduced weight through a single injection molding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional battery cell holding elements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility in adapting to varying geometries and space constraints is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in adapting to varying geometriesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is divided into two functional sections: a receiving section for battery cells and a fixing section for mounting plate attachment. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different battery cell geometries and arrangements. The receiving section can hold various cell types while the fixing section provides standardized mounting capability, making the element adaptable to multiple applications without requiring custom designs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular holding elements are used, then flexibility in arranging battery cells is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in arranging battery cellsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving section and fixing section are merged into a single integrated holding element that can be manufactured in one piece using injection molding. This combining approach maintains the modular functionality and adaptability benefits while eliminating the manufacturing complexity of assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple separate components are used for holding and fixing, then ease of assembly is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element combines the receiving section and fixing section into a single integrated component manufactured via injection molding. This merger reduces the total number of parts and associated fasteners, thereby reducing weight while maintaining ease of assembly through the simple insert-molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional production methods are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly processes with injection molding technology. The holding element is manufactured as a single integrated piece using mold cavities that define the receiving and fixing sections, eliminating the need for separate machining and assembly operations. This substitution maintains precise dimensional control while significantly reducing production costs and complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3422437A1Holding element for a battery cell assembly
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 SOLO AIRCRAFT ENGINES GMBH
  • EP3422437A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3422437A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3422437A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A retaining element (2) for a battery cell assembly is provided. The retaining element (2) comprises a receiving section (6) for receiving a distal section (38) of a battery cell and a fixing section (4) for fixing the retaining element (2) in an opening of a retaining plate.