Shared Multi-Tier End Plates for Space-Efficient Battery Packs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction battery packs with multi-tier cell stack assemblies often require separate end plates for each tier, leading to increased complexity, material usage, and cost, as well as potential inefficiencies in space utilization and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of shared multi-tier end plates between upper and lower tiers of the battery cell matrices, which are fastened to both the battery cell matrices and the enclosure tray, simplifying the assembly and reducing material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate end plates are used for each tier of battery cell matrices, then each tier can be independently secured, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate end plates for upper and lower tiers into a single integrated multi-tier end plate structure. This end plate simultaneously secures multiple battery cell matrices across different tiers, reducing the total number of end plates and fasteners while maintaining secure attachment of all battery cell matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-tier end plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures battery cell matrices from different tiers simultaneously, provides a common mounting surface for fasteners, and serves as a structural support element for the entire battery assembly. This universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate end plates.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate end plates are used for each tier, then each tier can be independently assembled, but material usage and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple end plate functions into a single multi-tier end plate structure, reducing material consumption. This integrated structure eliminates the need for separate end plates for each tier, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining assembly capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple separate end plates and fasteners are used, then each battery cell matrix can be securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening operations into a single integrated fastening process. The multi-tier end plate structure allows all battery cell matrices to be secured simultaneously through one assembly operation, rather than requiring separate fastening operations for each tier, thereby improving assembly productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Traction battery packs are provided that include a multi-tiered battery system. An exemplary battery system may include a first battery cell matrix, a second battery cell matrix, and a first multi-tier end plate fastened to both the first battery cell matrix and the second battery cell matrix. The first multi-tier end plate is therefore shared between the first and second battery cell matrices to provide a space efficient design.