Storage Cell Side-Wall Connector Housing for Compact Power Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power storage devices require increased installation space due to protruding connectors and wiring, which enlarges the dimension of storage cells and the overall device.
Innovation Solution
A storage cell design featuring a case with a cut-away portion to house the connector on the side-wall, eliminating the need for back surface protrusion and allowing the connector to be housed within the case, thereby reducing the device's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is provided protruding from the back surface of the case, then electrical connection is achieved, but the dimension of the storage cell is increased and installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is relocated from the back surface (one-dimensional protrusion) to the side surface of the case, changing the spatial dimension of connector placement. This dimensional shift allows the connector to be positioned within the lateral profile of the storage cell rather than extending beyond the back surface, thereby reducing the overall dimension and installation space requirements while maintaining electrical connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is nested within the case structure by providing a connector housing space formed by a cut-away portion in the case. The connector is installed in this housing space and protrudes from the case cut-away side-wall rather than from the back surface. This nesting approach integrates the connector into the case volume, eliminating the need for additional protrusion space at the back surface and reducing the overall storage cell dimension
2Reliability
If a connector protruding from the back surface is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the installation space for the power storage device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector placement is changed from back-surface protrusion to side-surface installation, utilizing the lateral dimension of the case rather than extending the depth dimension. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the footprint and overall volume required for installing multiple storage cells, thereby decreasing the installation space for the power storage device while preserving electrical connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is nested within the case by providing a dedicated connector housing space formed through a cut-away portion. The connector is housed within this space and only minimally protrudes from the side-wall, integrating it into the case's overall envelope. This nesting eliminates the need for additional installation space that would be required to accommodate back-surface protrusions, thereby reducing the total installation space for the power storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A storage cell includes a battery module including a plurality of unit cells; a case for housing the battery module; and a connector installed on a side-wall of the case and electrically connected to the unit cells constituting the battery module. By providing a part of the case with a cut-away portion, a connector housing space is formed. The connector protrudes from a cut-away side-wall that defines a connector housing space and is located in the connector housing space.