Staple Terminal Electrical Connection Device for Traction Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles is complex and time-consuming due to the high voltage levels, requiring numerous small screws that are difficult to handle safely, leading to a high risk of assembly faults and contact errors.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection device with a staple terminal and a molded resin frame that exerts a bearing force to maintain the terminal in electrical contact, allowing for easier assembly and reduced tool usage, featuring a staple lug with claws that grip into a threaded orifice for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If numerous small screws are used to connect modules in high voltage batteries, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single integrated connection element. The terminal unit integrates the voltage detection terminal and the power connection terminal into one unified structure that connects to the module connector simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate small screws while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit serves multiple functions: it provides voltage detection through the voltage detection terminal, establishes power connection through the power connection terminal, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functional design replaces numerous specialized small screws with a single universal connection element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If numerous small screws are used for assembly, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection operations are merged into a single assembly action. The terminal unit is installed in one operation that simultaneously establishes both voltage detection connection and power connection, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit is pre-assembled with all necessary connection elements integrated before installation. This preliminary integration of voltage detection terminal and power connection terminal allows for rapid single-step installation without requiring multiple separate assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If small screws are used for connection, then the contact surface area is sufficient, but the handling difficulty increases due to safety requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface areaVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple small handling operations into a single handling operation. Instead of requiring operators to handle numerous small screws individually (which is difficult with insulating rubber gloves), the terminal unit is handled as one larger, more manageable component that provides sufficient contact surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between safety requirements and handling ease. It provides the necessary contact surface area for reliable electrical connection while its larger size makes it suitable for safe handling with insulating rubber gloves, unlike the small screws it replaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2904653B1Electrical connection device for a traction battery.
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 RENAULT SA
  • EP2904653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2904653B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2904653B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

Device for the fast fitting of electrical connections, in particular on a traction battery. The present invention relates to an electrical connection device for linking a conducting wire to an earth conductor comprising a tapped orifice. The device comprises a lug to which the wire is linked, the lug comprising at least two fastening elements and being able to pass alternately from a free configuration to a configuration fastened in the tapping of the orifice. The device also comprises a bearing element able to be fixed firmly to the earth conductor, in such a way that it simultaneously exerts a bearing force on the lug, said bearing force holding the lug in its fastening configuration. Application: traction batteries.