Power Storage Module Frame Bridging and Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage modules face challenges in securing rigidity and on-vehicle installation capability, with poor assembling properties and inadequate shock resistance, particularly due to the restricted shape of the outer case and the difficulty in aligning fastening components, which can lead to malfunction during shocks from below.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module design featuring a frame body with bridging portions and flange portions that project outward, integrated with a sheet-shaped temperature control device and a box body with longitudinal wall portions, which enhances rigidity and shock resistance by allowing for improved assembly and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bolt is inserted through the end plate and screwed into the outer case to fasten them, then the end plate can be fixed to the outer case, but the lower surface of the end plate and the outer case are close to each other which restricts the shape of the outer case and makes it difficult to secure rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
A support rib is introduced as an intermediary structural element between the end plate and the outer case. The support rib extends from the inner surface of the end plate toward the outer case, providing structural reinforcement that improves the rigidity of the outer case without requiring the end plate and outer case to be in close proximity. This mediator structure allows the fastening system to maintain both fixation capability and structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bolt passes through the end plate to fasten it to the outer case, then the end plate can be secured, but it is difficult to align the through-hole of the end plate with the female screw portion of the outer case, resulting in poor assembling properties
Solution Approach 1:
The support rib serves as a mediator that provides both structural and alignment functions. It includes a through-hole that aligns with the fastening hole in the end plate, creating a guided path for the bolt. This intermediary structure makes it easier to align the bolt with the female screw portion during assembly, significantly improving assembling properties while maintaining the fastening function.
3Reliability
If the female screw portion directly transmits shock from below to the power storage module, then the shock is transmitted efficiently, but this may cause malfunction of the power storage module during shocks from below
Solution Approach 1:
The support rib acts as a mediator between the outer case and the power storage module. When shock occurs from below, the support rib absorbs and distributes the shock load, preventing direct transmission of the shock to the power storage module through the female screw portion. This intermediary structure protects the power storage module from shock damage while maintaining necessary structural connectivity.
4Strength
If a reinforcing member is added to improve the rigidity of the outer case, then the rigidity can be enhanced, but the size of the outer case in the height direction increases, which may reduce on-vehicle installation capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding reinforcing members that extend in the height direction (which would increase the outer case height), the support rib is designed to extend in the radial direction from the end plate toward the outer case. This dimensional change allows structural reinforcement to be achieved without increasing the height of the outer case, thereby maintaining on-vehicle installation capability while improving rigidity.
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 solution improves assembling properties, secures sufficient rigidity and on-vehicle installation capability, and enhances shock resistance against shocks from below, while maintaining a compact size and efficient heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a bridging portion that is provided inside the frame body and connects an upper portion and a lower portion of the frame body to each other
Implementation Method 2
two flange portions that are provided outside the frame body and project in directions opposite to each other
Implementation Method 3
a sheet-shaped temperature control device is attached to at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame body
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage module comprises: a frame body; a plurality of power storage cells accommodated in the frame body; a bridging portion that is provided inside the frame body and connects an upper portion and a lower portion of the frame body to each other; and two flange portions that are provided outside the frame body and project in directions opposite to each other. The two flange portions are located above a central portion of the frame body in a height direction.