Modular Cell Fixing Structure for Scalable Energy Storage Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage modules require custom-made fixing members for different numbers of ultra-capacitors, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for varied configurations to achieve desired voltages.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with interchangeable components that can accommodate energy storage cells regardless of their number, featuring coupling protrusions and accommodation portions that engage to secure the cells in place, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly, heat dissipation, and air circulation, while maintaining a consistent shape across configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixing members are manufactured individually according to the number of ultra-capacitors used in each energy storage module, then the energy storage module can be customized for different voltage requirements, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization for different voltage requirementsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different numbers of ultra-capacitors through adjustable clamping mechanisms. The fixing member includes a body with multiple clamping portions that can be adjusted to secure 2, 4, 6, or 8 ultra-capacitors, eliminating the need for different fixing member designs for different voltage configurations.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixing members are manufactured individually for different numbers of ultra-capacitors, then each module can be optimized for its specific configuration, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration optimizationVSAvoidvariety of fixing member designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member integrates multiple clamping portions (first, second, third, and fourth clamping portions) within a single unified structure. These clamping portions can be selectively engaged to accommodate different numbers of ultra-capacitors, reducing the variety of fixing member designs from multiple specialized types to a single universal type.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized fixing devices are used for various energy storage modules, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the ability to accommodate different numbers of cells may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaccommodation of different cell numbers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member incorporates adjustable and movable clamping portions that can be positioned to secure different numbers of ultra-capacitors. The clamping portions can be independently adjusted to accommodate 2, 4, 6, or 8 cells, providing dynamic adaptability within a standardized fixing member design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3550580B1Fixing device for fixing plurality of energy storage cells, and energy storage module using same
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 LS MATERIALS CO LTD
  • EP3550580B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3550580B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3550580B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a fixing device for fixing a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in parallel to each other. The fixing device includes a body having a hole formed through an upper surface and a lower surface thereof to accommodate a part of at least one energy storage cell; a first coupling protrusion and a first accommodation portion formed at a first side surface of the body to be spaced apart in opposite directions by the same distance from a center of the first side surface, the first coupling protrusion and the first accommodation portion being shaped to engage with each other; and a second coupling protrusion and a second accommodation portion formed at a second side surface of the body, which is opposite to the first side surface, to be spaced apart in opposite directions by the same distance from a center of the second side surface, the second coupling protrusion and the second accommodation portion being shaped to engage with each other.