Battery Module Connector Slide-Rail Locking for Reversible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules require a predetermined connector direction, leading to increased production costs, time, and complexity due to the need for symmetrical part redesign, limiting flexibility in connector orientation.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a bidirectionally insertable module connector featuring a first slide rail fastening part and a second slide rail fastening part, allowing the connector to be locked in either direction through a hook and inclined locking protrusions, enabling flexible orientation post-production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined connector direction is used in conventional battery modules, then the connector can be securely connected, but the production complexity and costs increase due to the need for symmetrical part redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with an asymmetric structure where only one side requires special fastening parts (first fastening part with first slide rail and locking protrusions), while the other side uses a simple second fastening part. This asymmetric design allows the connector to be securely mounted in a predetermined direction without requiring symmetrical redesign of all components, thereby maintaining connector security while reducing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates multiple fastening mechanisms (first slide rail fastening part, second slide rail fastening part, and locking protrusions) that can adapt to different mounting requirements. The first fastening part can engage with the second fastening part in a predetermined direction, while the structure also allows for alternative orientations, providing universal applicability across different installation scenarios without increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If a predetermined connector direction is used in conventional battery modules, then the connector can be securely connected, but the production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a first fastening part that includes a first slide rail and locking protrusions designed to engage with a second fastening part. This preliminary design of the fastening structure allows for quick and secure connection without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional adjustment steps during production, thereby maintaining connection security while reducing production time
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional complex mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simplified slide rail and locking protrusion mechanism. The first slide rail fastening part engages with the second slide rail fastening part through a straightforward sliding and locking action, eliminating the need for complex multi-step mechanical assembly procedures, thus maintaining connection reliability while significantly reducing production time
3Adaptability or versatility
If all parts are re-developed in a symmetrical form to accommodate predetermined connector direction, then the connector can be mounted in fixed direction, but the costs and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of re-developing all parts in symmetrical form, the invention applies asymmetry by providing special fastening features (first fastening part with slide rail and locking protrusions) only on one side of the connector. The other side uses a simple second fastening part. This selective asymmetric design provides the necessary mounting flexibility while avoiding the costs and complexity of symmetrical redesign of all components
4Device complexity
If a bidirectionally insertable connector is used, then the production complexity and costs are reduced, but the connector must accommodate both insertion directions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic fastening system where the first slide rail fastening part can engage with the second slide rail fastening part from either direction. The locking protrusions are designed to engage with corresponding recesses regardless of insertion direction, allowing the connector to adapt dynamically to different mounting orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus reducing production complexity while providing necessary directionality
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a cell assembly including at least one battery cell; a module case accommodating the cell assembly; and a module connector mounted outside the module case, electrically connected to the cell assembly, and configured to connect to an external connector outside the module case. A coupling surface of the module connecter may have a first fastening part opened in at least one direction, and a corresponding coupling surface outside the module case may have a second fastening part opened bidirectionally so as to be inserted into the first fastening part in a first direction or in a second direction opposite thereto.