Cylindrical Energy Storage Module Holder for Side-Impact Load Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage modules in vehicles face challenges in reducing the load applied to power storage devices during impact events, such as side collisions, which can cause deformation and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A power storage module design featuring a holder with a lower portion made of thermoplastic resin and a cylindrical shape, incorporating gaps and support structures that disperse and absorb impact loads through staged ruptures and elastic deformation, reducing the load transferred to the power storage devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a recessed shape is provided for the holder to cause rupture upon side collision, then the load on power storage devices is reduced, but the holder's structural strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of power storage devicesVSAvoidstructural strength of holder

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple ribs (first ribs and second ribs) that are spatially arranged to provide different functions. The first ribs provide structural support while the second ribs with rupture portions provide impact absorption, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and localized rupture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the holder are given different properties: the first ribs have high strength for structural support, while the second ribs have localized rupture portions that are designed to fail at specific points to absorb impact energy, protecting the power storage devices without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the holder is designed to rupture upon impact, then energy absorption is improved, but the load-bearing capacity during normal operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The holder transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the second ribs can rupture under excessive impact forces. This allows the structure to adapt its load-bearing capacity based on the applied force level, maintaining high capacity during normal operation while absorbing impact energy during collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The potential weakness of the holder is converted into a beneficial feature by designing controlled rupture portions in the second ribs. These portions are intended to fail under impact, converting the harmful impact energy into beneficial energy absorption that protects the power storage devices, while the first ribs maintain load-bearing capacity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If multiple ribs are added to the holder structure, then structural support is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural support capabilityVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple ribs in the holder serve multiple functions simultaneously: the first ribs provide structural support and load-bearing capacity, while the second ribs provide impact absorption through controlled rupture. This multi-functionality allows the structure to maintain simplicity while achieving enhanced performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder uses a composite structure combining different rib configurations (first ribs and second ribs with rupture portions) to achieve both structural support and impact absorption functions, effectively creating a composite structural system that balances strength and energy absorption without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design effectively absorbs and disperses impact loads, increasing the module's withstand capacity and minimizing damage to the power storage devices, thereby enhancing safety and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a cylindrical shape, incorporating gaps and support structures that disperse and absorb impact loads through staged ruptures and elastic deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

disperse and absorb impact loads through staged ruptures and elastic deformation, reducing the load transferred to the power storage devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250372781A1Energy storage module, energy storage pack, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

This energy storage module comprises at least one cylindrical energy storage device (60), and a lower holder (41) that maintains the axial direction (Z) of the energy storage device (60). A member having higher rigidity than the lower holder (41) is provided to an end section in a direction (Y), where the direction (Y) is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (Z) of the energy storage device (60), and a direction (X) is a direction that is mutually orthogonal to the axial direction (Z) and the direction (Y).