Power Storage Device Insulating Dividing Member Retaining Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices face challenges in efficiently applying restraining force to aligned power storage elements while ensuring insulation and minimizing the number of parts, particularly when using metal bands that require additional insulating members.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device design featuring insulating dividing members with retaining portions that surround and guide metal connecting members, reducing the need for additional insulation and parts by using the retaining portions to cover the connecting members and create heat exchange pathways, while also inhibiting foreign matter and protecting valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a metal band is used to apply restraining force to power storage elements, then the restraining force is ensured, but additional insulating members are required to prevent electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulating function and the restraining force application function into a single integrated component. The dividing member is made of insulating material and includes a retaining portion that directly contacts and retains the metal connecting member, eliminating the need for separate insulating members between the metal band and power storage elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation between adjacent power storage elements, applies restraining force through its retaining portion that contacts the metal connecting member, and maintains structural organization. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required in the system.
2Reliability
If insulating members are added between the metal band and power storage elements, then insulation is ensured, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating function is merged into the dividing member itself, which is made of insulating material. The retaining portion of the dividing member directly contacts the metal connecting member, providing both insulation and mechanical retention without requiring additional insulating members.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing member serves itself by incorporating the insulating function into its own structure. The insulating material of the dividing member provides the necessary electrical isolation, and its retaining portion automatically contacts the metal connecting member to apply restraining force, eliminating the need for separate insulating components.
3Reliability
If retaining portions are designed to surround the connecting member, then insulation and retention are improved, but the shape complexity of the retaining portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion features localized protruding portions that contact specific areas of the metal connecting member. This local contact approach provides effective insulation and retention at critical points without requiring the entire retaining portion to have complex surrounding geometry, thus balancing reliability with manufacturing simplicity.
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
This design effectively applies restraining force, maintains insulation, reduces part count, regulates temperature, and prevents foreign matter ingress, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the power storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path for a heat exchange medium that can be used to regulate the temperature of the power storage elements may be formed using the retaining portion and a case that forms an exterior of the power storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage device includes a plurality of power storage elements (10) lined up along a predetermined arrangement direction; a dividing member (40) that is made of insulating material and arranged between two adjacent power storage elements; a pair of end plates (31) that sandwich the plurality of power storage elements, and apply restraining force thereto, in the arrangement direction; and a metal connecting member (32) that extends in the arrangement direction and is fixed to the pair of end plates. The dividing member includes a retaining portion (42) that is positioned between the power storage elements and the connecting member, and that retains the connecting member.