Prismatic Cell Cover with Interlocking Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell covers for prismatic energy storage cells face challenges in achieving high power density due to the space requirements of passive components, and existing interlocking connections between current clips and covers often require three-dimensional deformation of the cover, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cell cover design featuring a thin-walled, sheet-metal covering plate with a planar top side and interlocking connecting recesses allows for an indirect connection with current clips without three-dimensional deformation, reducing installation space and enhancing energy storage cell performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing interlocking connections are used between current clips and cell cover, then electrical connection is achieved, but three-dimensional deformation of the cover is required which increases installation space and reduces manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the main body of the cell cover by introducing separate connecting elements (tabs or protrusions) that extend from the cover. This allows the cover surface to remain planar while the extended connecting elements provide the interlocking function, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable electrical connection and minimal installation space.
2Reliability
If three-dimensional deformation of the cover is used for interlocking connection, then current clips can be secured, but the complexity of manufacturing increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection function from the main cover structure by creating separate connecting elements (tabs or protrusions) that can be independently formed or attached. This segmentation allows the cover to be manufactured with a simple planar surface while the connecting elements provide the necessary interlocking capability, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and improving production efficiency.
3Reliability
If passive components occupy more space in the cell, then electrical connections can be more robust, but the energy storage density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the connection structure from a three-dimensional deformed cover to a planar configuration with extended connecting elements. This dimensional change allows electrical connections to be established in the plane of the cover rather than requiring vertical deformation, thereby minimizing the space occupied by passive components and maximizing energy storage density.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell cover for a prismatic cell, in particular a lithium-based cell, is provided. The cell cover includes a cover plate having a bottom side, a top side and at least one current-carrying cutout, at least one electrical terminal arranged at the top side, at least one current clip associated with the at least one electrical terminal, each current clip being connectable to the cover plate in a corresponding connecting region of the bottom side of the cover plate. A corresponding electrical conductor is arranged in each current-carrying cutout. The electrical terminals and respective current clip are contactable with their associated electrical conductor. The cover plate has in at least one of the connecting regions at least one connecting cutout spaced apart from the current-carrying cutout. A corresponding one of the current clips is connectable to the cover plate in a positively locking manner at the connecting cutout. The top side of the cover plate, at least in sections opposite the corresponding the bottom side connecting regions, has a substantially planar shape.