Snap-Fastening Interconnection Device for EV Battery Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection devices for electrochemical cells in electric vehicle batteries require expensive equipment and complex welding processes, making assembly and disassembly difficult, and do not allow for non-destructive disassembly without damaging the components.
Innovation Solution
A configurable interconnection device with snap-fastening mechanisms and flexible blades that can be easily assembled and disassembled by fitting connection parts onto the electrochemical cell terminals, allowing for secure electrical and mechanical connection without the need for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect the interconnection device to the electrochemical cells, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase, and the disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device is divided into multiple separate connection parts, each designed to connect to a specific electrochemical cell. This segmentation allows each part to be independently assembled and disassembled, eliminating the need for complex welding operations while maintaining secure mechanical connections through dedicated fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of connection parts that snap onto the electrochemical cells. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive welding equipment and atmospheric control while enabling easy assembly and disassembly through purely mechanical means.
2Reliability
If welding is used to connect the interconnection device to the electrochemical cells, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the disassembly becomes destructive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection parts are designed with dynamic fastening mechanisms that allow for reversible assembly and disassembly. The mechanical fastening system transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling reliable electrical connections during operation while allowing non-destructive removal when needed, unlike permanent welding connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection device is designed to be removable and reusable. The connection parts can be detached from the electrochemical cells without causing damage, allowing the interconnection device to be recovered and reused in other applications, whereas welding would permanently damage both the interconnection device and the cell terminals.
3Manufacturing precision
If welding equipment and atmospheric control are used, then the welding quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection parts are designed as simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be manufactured using basic machining processes. These replace the need for expensive welding equipment and controlled atmospheric environments, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate connection quality through precision-machined fastening features.
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 device enables easy and secure assembly and disassembly of electrochemical cells, ensuring reliable electrical connections and mechanical strength while avoiding damage to the terminals, and allows for the transmission of high electrical currents and voltages.
Implementation Method 1
The term 'fastening device configured to be snapped onto the lateral edges of the fastener' means that the fastening device is configured to be snapped onto the lateral edges of the fastener by elastic deformation of the fastening device.
Implementation Method 2
each of the two connection parts comprising a plurality of electrically conductive flexible blades
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interconnection device (16) for two electrochemical cells (12, 14) of an electric vehicle comprising an electrical connection terminal (20, 22), the interconnection device being configurable between a connection configuration in which it electrically and mechanically connects said two terminals and a rest configuration in which it is separated from said terminals, the interconnection device comprising a body (30) and two connection parts (32, 34) configured to be fitted together in a fitting direction (dE), respectively, onto one of the two terminals of said two cells, referred to as the "associated terminal", when switching from the rest configuration to the connection configuration, each connection part comprising a fastening system (42) integral with the body,configured to be snapped onto the lateral mounting edges (26) of the associated terminal when said connection part is fitted onto the associated terminal in the connection configuration.