Opposing Plug Connecting Element for High-Voltage Battery Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage battery module connection technologies are complex and difficult to assemble, requiring precise alignment and multiple components, which complicates the establishment of an electrically conductive connection between high-voltage battery modules and other elements.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element with opposing high-voltage and low-voltage plug connections on a common axis, allowing for simple plugging together of high-voltage battery modules and other elements, eliminating the need for additional components and tools, and featuring stop surfaces and seals for secure and tolerant alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing high-voltage battery module connection technologies are used, then electrical connection between battery modules is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated connecting element. This element includes opposing plug connections on both sides, integrated stop surfaces for alignment, and sealing elements, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools and multiple components, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precise alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element acts as an intermediary component between two battery modules. It features a through-axis design with plug connections on both sides, allowing one module to connect to another module or component through this intermediate element, simplifying the overall connection system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple components and tools are used for connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a modular connecting element that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This element contains all necessary components (plug connections, stop surfaces, seals) integrated into a single unit, allowing for standardized production and rapid assembly without requiring multiple separate components to be handled individually

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop surfaces are pre-integrated into the connecting element at fixed positions along the through-axis. This preliminary positioning feature ensures that when the connecting element is inserted, alignment is automatically established without requiring external alignment tools or procedures during the assembly process, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3608994A1Connecting element for high-voltage battery module, assembly comprising such a connecting element and method for producing a connection between a high voltage battery module and a further element
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3608994A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3608994A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3608994A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting element (58) for a high-voltage battery module (10) with a base body (62), a first high-voltage input (64) provided on the base body (62) and a second high-voltage input (66) provided on the base body (62), wherein the first high-voltage input (64) and the second high-voltage input (66) are electrically conductively connected to each other or enable the establishment of an electrically conductive connection, wherein the first high-voltage input (64) and the second high-voltage input (66) are each designed as a plug connection, wherein the first high-voltage plug connection direction (HS1) of the first high-voltage input (64) and the second high-voltage plug connection direction (HS2) of the second high-voltage input (66) are oriented in opposite directions and have a common plug axis (S).The invention further relates to an arrangement of a connecting element (58) between a high-voltage battery module (10) and a further element (56) and to two methods for producing a connection between a high-voltage battery module (10) and a further element (56).