Power Storage Module Layout for Lighter Restraint Members

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage devices face an increase in mass due to the enlargement of electrodes, leading to a proportional increase in the mass of restraint portions.

Innovation Solution

A power storage device design featuring overlapping and non-overlapping regions for power storage modules, with direct and indirect contact regions, and the use of restraint and adhesive members to reduce the mass of restraint members while maintaining electrical conduction and fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the electrode in each power storage module increases in size, then the power storage capacity is improved, but the mass of the restraint portion increases remarkably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower storage capacityVSAvoidmass of restraint portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage modules are divided into overlapping regions that contact restraint members and non-overlapping regions that do not. This segmentation allows the restraint members to only support the necessary overlapping portions, reducing the overall mass of the restraint structure while maintaining adequate support for the power storage modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the power storage modules are assigned different functions: overlapping regions provide structural support and electrical conduction where they contact restraint members, while non-overlapping regions are optimized for power storage capacity. This local differentiation allows the restraint portion to be minimized while maintaining overall device performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the area of restraint plates is increased to cover larger electrode areas, then the restraint effectiveness is improved, but the mass of the restraint portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestraint effectivenessVSAvoidmass of restraint portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint members only need to cover the overlapping regions of the power storage modules, which is a partial area compared to the total electrode area. This partial coverage is sufficient to provide effective restraint and structural support, eliminating the need for full-coverage restraint plates that would increase mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping regions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the restraint members, maintain electrical conduction between modules, and ensure proper alignment. This multi-functionality allows the restraint members to be smaller while still achieving effective restraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the power storage modules are fully covered by restraint members, then the fixation stability is improved, but the device mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoiddevice mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is segmented to only cover overlapping regions rather than the entire power storage module surface. This segmentation maintains fixation stability at the critical interfaces where modules contact each other and the restraint members, while reducing the total mass of the restraint structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping regions are designed to inherently provide both mechanical support and electrical conduction before the restraint members are applied. This preliminary structural arrangement allows the restraint members to be minimized while maintaining fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the overall mass of the restraint members and the device, ensuring effective electrical conduction and fixation of power storage modules.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive member that bonds the power storage module and the conductive member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4425660B1Power storage device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4425660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4425660B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4425660B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A power storage device (1) includes: a plurality of power storage modules (100); a conductive member (200); a pair of restraint members (300); and an adhesive member (400). Each power storage module includes: an overlapping region (R10) that overlaps with the pair of restraint members in a stacking direction; and a non-overlapping region (R20) that does not overlap with the pair of restraint members in the stacking direction. Each power storage module (100) includes: a direct contact region (R1) that is in direct contact with the conductive member; and an indirect contact region (R2) that is in contact with the power storage module adjacent to that power storage module or the conductive member, with the adhesive member (400) interposed therebetween. The overlapping region (R10) includes the direct contact region (R1), and the non-overlapping region (R20) includes the indirect contact region (R2).