Spacer Bus Bar Integration for Energy Storage Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional energy storage apparatuses have a complex configuration due to the need for additional components to support bus bars, which hinders productivity and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

The energy storage apparatus incorporates a spacer that houses at least a part of the bus bar, eliminating the need for a separate bus bar case and simplifying the configuration by using the spacer to support the bus bar, which connects the energy storage device's electrode terminal to the external terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a separate bus bar case is used to support the bus bar, then the bus bar is mechanically supported and insulated, but the number of components increases and the configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical support for bus barVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer integrates multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the bus bar, electrical insulation, and structural spacing between components. By combining these functions into a single component rather than using separate bus bar case and spacer, the configuration is simplified while maintaining mechanical support and insulation capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural spacer, bus bar support, and electrical insulator. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same mechanical and electrical support functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a separate bus bar case is used to support the bus bar, then the bus bar is mechanically supported and insulated, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical support for bus barVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer integrates multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the bus bar, electrical insulation, and structural spacing between components. By combining these functions into a single component rather than using separate bus bar case and spacer, the configuration is simplified while maintaining mechanical support and insulation capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural spacer, bus bar support, and electrical insulator. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same mechanical and electrical support functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the bus bar is disposed inside the spacer, then the configuration is simplified and fewer components are needed, but the bus bar requires adequate space for voltage withstanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidwithstand voltage strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bus bar is nested inside the spacer structure, with the spacer providing an enclosing protective environment. This nesting arrangement allows the bus bar to be housed within the spacer's internal space while the spacer's insulating material surrounds the bus bar to provide adequate electrical insulation and voltage withstanding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer acts as an intermediary structure between the bus bar and the external environment, providing electrical insulation and mechanical protection. By placing the bus bar inside the spacer, the spacer mediates the electrical field distribution and provides the necessary clearance for voltage withstanding while simplifying the overall configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220077535A1Energy storage apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.03.10 GS YUASA INT LTD

AI summary

An energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage device, a spacer disposed on a first direction side of the energy storage device, and a bus bar connected to the energy storage device, and at least a part of the bus bar is disposed inside the spacer.