Storage Cell Heating Element Integration for Compact Energy Store Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage cells for motor vehicle energy stores require significant space for heating elements, which complicates compact design and efficient energy storage.

Innovation Solution

The storage cell integrates an electrical heating element within the cell housing, connected via a compact connecting device that includes switching elements and different materials for efficient energy transfer, allowing for space-saving activation and deactivation of the heating element, and uses an elastically deformable conductor for thermal movement accommodation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heating element is integrated into the storage cell, then the storage cell can be heated to maintain optimal temperature, but the space requirement of the storage cell increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage cell temperatureVSAvoidstorage cell volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is integrated directly into the cell housing structure, merging the heating function with the housing. The connection element serves dual purposes: electrical connection and mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell housing serves multiple functions: structural containment, thermal management interface, and electrical connection pathway. The connection element provides both mechanical attachment and electrical conductivity, allowing the same component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce the number of separate parts needed.

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

2Volume of moving object

If a heating element with connection elements is integrated into the cell housing, then the heating system becomes more compact, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating system volumeVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element integrates electrical connection, mechanical support, and thermal conduction functions into a single component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts (eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, insulators, and connection terminals) while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing both volume and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical conductivity, mechanical attachment, and thermal pathways. This universal design approach consolidates multiple functions into one element, reducing device complexity while achieving compact integration.

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

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

This solution enables a highly integrated, space-efficient heating system that maintains optimal temperature and energy storage performance while minimizing installation space and costs.

Implementation Method 1

The storage cell has at least one electrical heating element located within the cell housing for heating the storage cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

uses an elastically deformable conductor for thermal movement accommodation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3815171B1Storage cell for an energy store of a motor vehicle, and energy store for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3815171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3815171B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3815171B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage cell (1) for an energy store, comprising a cell housing (2) in which storage means (6) for storing electric energy are received, at least one connection (7) which is arranged outside of the cell housing (2) and via which the electric energy stored by means of the storage means (6) can be provided by the storage means (6), and at least one electric heating element (9) arranged within the cell housing (2) for heating the storage cell (1), wherein the cell housing (2) has a connection region (V), in which the heating element (9) within the cell housing (2) is electrically connected to the cell housing (2). At least one connection device (12) is provided, having at least one connection element (14) that has a first connection part (15), which is electrically connected to the cell housing (2) outside of the cell housing (2) and is made of a first material, and a second connection part (16), which is electrically connected to the first connection part (15) and is made of a second material that differs from the first material.