Power Storage Module Binding Structure for Cell Expansion Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric power storage modules face challenges in maintaining the binding structure integrity due to increased expansion of electric power storage devices, leading to higher loads on the binding structure as the capacity of these devices increases.

Innovation Solution

The binding structure is strengthened by employing a configuration where first and second binding members overlap on multiple surfaces of the electric power storage devices, forming overlapping sections that enhance the binding force and reduce interference between protrusions, allowing for larger protrusions without increasing the size of the binding members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the capacity of electric power storage devices is increased, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the expansion amount increases leading to higher load on the binding structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity of electric power storage devicesVSAvoidload on binding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The binding members extend in multiple directions (first direction along the array, second direction perpendicular to the array) to bind the electric power storage devices from multiple dimensions, distributing the binding load more effectively across the expanded devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the binding structure is strengthened to suppress expansion, then the structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the binding structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding structure integrityVSAvoidbinding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding structure is divided into multiple binding members (first binding members and second binding members) that work together, with each member having protrusions at specific positions to bind different portions of the electric power storage devices, distributing the binding function across segmented components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If protrusions of binding members are enlarged to increase binding force, then the binding strength is improved, but the interference between protrusions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding forceVSAvoidinterference between protrusions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are positioned asymmetrically on the binding members, with specific protrusions located at different positions (e.g., one protrusion at the center, another at an end) to optimize binding force distribution while minimizing interference between adjacent protrusions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4160633B1Electric power storage module
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4160633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160633B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4160633B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric power storage module includes an array body in which a plurality of electric power storage devices are arranged in a first direction, a pair of end plates which are disposed at both ends of the array body to interpose the array body, and a first binding member and a second binding member which bind the array body in the first direction. The first binding member includes a first main body extending in the first direction and a pair of first protrusions protruding from both ends of the first main body toward the end plates and fixed to each end plate. The second binding member includes a second main body extending in the first direction and a pair of second protrusions protruding from both ends of the second main body toward the end plates and fixed to each end plate. At least a portion of the first protrusion and at least a portion of the second protrusion overlap each other in the first direction to form an overlapping section.