Modular Battery Storage Tray for Mixed Cell Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery storage solutions are limited in their ability to accommodate various types or sizes of battery cells, and they often require complex and costly assembly methods.

Innovation Solution

A battery storage tray with an accommodating portion and inserts that utilize a convenient assembly method, featuring a design with first and second coupling portions and storage grooves to securely house battery cells of different sizes and types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed design storage tray is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various types or sizes of battery cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various battery cell types and sizesVSAvoidstorage tray structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage tray is divided into a tray body and multiple detachable inserts. Each insert can be independently removed or installed, allowing the tray to adapt to different battery cell configurations. The tray body contains coupling portions that interface with corresponding coupling portions on the inserts, enabling modular reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inserts are designed to be dynamically configurable within the tray body. By selectively installing or removing specific inserts, the storage configuration can be changed to accommodate different battery cell types and sizes. The coupling portions enable easy attachment and detachment of inserts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex assembly methods are used to accommodate various battery cells, then adaptability is improved, but assembly convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various battery cell types and sizesVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into standardized components (tray body and inserts) with matching coupling portions. This segmentation allows for simple, tool-free assembly by directly engaging the coupling portions, eliminating complex assembly procedures while maintaining high adaptability to different battery configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portions are designed with universal compatibility across all inserts and the tray body. This universal interface allows any insert to be installed in any suitable location within the tray, providing multi-functional adaptability without requiring different assembly methods for different configurations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inserts are used to accommodate various battery cells, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various battery cell types and sizesVSAvoidnumber of inserts and coupling portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All inserts use the same standardized coupling portion design, and the tray body contains standardized coupling portions that can interface with any insert. This universality means that a limited set of inserts can serve multiple functions and configurations, reducing the total number of different components needed while maintaining high versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The modular insert design allows individual inserts to be easily removed (discarded from the current configuration) and reused (recovered) in different positions or configurations. This reduces the need for permanent, specialized components for each battery type, as inserts can be reconfigured and reused across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4498498A1Battery storage tray
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4498498A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498498A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4498498A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosed technology may provide a battery storage tray comprising an accommodating portion configured to accommodate one or more battery cells, and one or more inserts configured to accommodate at least a portion of the one or more battery cells, wherein the accommodating portion includes: an inner space in which the one or more inserts are embedded; and one or more first coupling portions disposed in the inner space, wherein each of the one or more first coupling portions includes a plurality of auxiliary coupling portions, and wherein each of the one or more inserts includes a storage groove configured to accommodate at least the portion of the one or more battery cells, and a second coupling portion coupled to one or more auxiliary coupling portions of the plurality of auxiliary coupling portions included in the one or more first coupling portions.