Energy Storage Module Rod-and-Sleeve Assembly for Stable Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of securely and efficiently interconnecting large energy storage modules in vehicles, particularly heavy-duty vehicles, to achieve a sufficient energy capacity for long-range operation without excessive weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two sets of energy storage modules connected by rods with sleeves and protection plates, where rods are threaded through holes and sleeves, allowing for secure, modular, and efficient assembly without long clamping lengths, and guided by pins for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a single long rod is used to connect energy storage modules, then the connection spans the entire arrangement, but the clamping length becomes too long which increases the risk of loosening bolts over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod lengthVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single long rod connection into multiple shorter rod segments. Each rod connects adjacent energy storage modules or groups of modules, creating intermediate connection points. This segmentation reduces the clamping length of each individual rod while maintaining overall structural integrity and reducing bolt loosening risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If energy storage modules are connected to achieve large energy capacity, then the vehicle range is extended, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy capacityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is divided into modular units that can be independently assembled and then connected using standardized rod mechanisms. This modular approach allows the system to scale in energy capacity while maintaining consistent assembly procedures, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rods are pre-positioned through predetermined holes in the energy storage modules before final tightening. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces the skill level required for assembly, making it easier to assemble larger energy storage arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If energy storage modules are securely connected, then the structural integrity is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rods are inserted through predetermined holes in the energy storage modules before final tightening. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces the skill level required for assembly, making it easier to assemble securely connected modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rod acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection process. By using a standardized rod mechanism with predetermined holes, the patent provides a simple assembly procedure while still achieving secure connections between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Length of stationary object

If long rods are used to connect energy storage modules, then the connection spans the entire arrangement, but the risk of loosening bolts over time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping lengthVSAvoidbolt stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single long rod connection into multiple shorter rod segments. Each rod connects adjacent energy storage modules or groups of modules, creating intermediate connection points. This segmentation reduces the clamping length of each individual rod while maintaining overall structural integrity and reducing bolt loosening risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4576356A1Interconnection of sets of energy storage modules
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4576356A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576356A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576356A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an energy storage arrangement. The energy storage arrangement comprises a sleeve arranged in a first and a second through hole, the sleeve being arranged through a first end surface of a first set of energy storage modules and through a first end surface of a second set of energy storage modules and is connected to a first and a second rod.