Modular Energy Storage Assembly With Polarity-Keyed Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage devices lack a modular design that prevents incorrect wiring and short circuits while allowing easy expansion and maintenance of energy storage units.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy storage device with uniquely defined mounting positions and polarity-specific connectors, using cables of predetermined length and form-fitting coding to ensure correct orientation and connection of energy storage units, preventing short circuits and allowing easy addition or removal of units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If energy storage units are connected using flexible wiring methods, then ease of installation and expansion is improved, but risk of incorrect wiring and short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connector designs where male and female connectors have non-symmetric contact arrangements. This ensures that connectors can only be mated in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect wiring and short circuits while maintaining ease of installation through simple plug-and-play connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements (distribution blocks, terminal strips) that serve as mediators between energy storage units. These intermediaries provide structured connection points with predetermined cable lengths and polarities, guiding correct wiring while allowing flexible system expansion.
2Ease of repair
If modular design with removable units is implemented, then ease of maintenance and expansion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each unit can be independently removed, maintained, or replaced without affecting other units. The segmentation is supported by standardized mechanical and electrical connectors that simplify the modular assembly/disassembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal connectors and standardized mounting interfaces that work across all energy storage units. This universality allows the same connection mechanisms to serve multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical support, and alignment guidance, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the modular design.
3Reliability
If cables of predetermined length are used, then prevention of short circuits is improved, but flexibility in wiring configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from two-dimensional flexible wiring to a three-dimensional structured layout. Predetermined cable lengths are combined with three-dimensional spatial arrangement of connectors and mounting positions, ensuring that only correct wiring paths are physically accessible while maintaining necessary flexibility through vertical and lateral positioning options.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an energy storage device with a plurality of energy storage units 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, which are placed in receiving locations 7a, 8a, 7b, 8b of a carrier unit and are connected to each other by means of electrical connecting elements, characterized in that the configuration of the receiving locations uniquely defines the position and orientation of the energy storage units 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b with respect to the carrier unit and the electrical connecting elements are designed as conductors 5a, 5b, 5c with predetermined length and connection devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d adapted according to the polarity of the energy storage units, such that a wiring of the energy storage units 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b leading to reverse polarity and/or short circuit is excluded.