Energy Storage Terminal Member Bolt Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage modules face issues with excessive torque applied to the joined portions between end plates due to bolts, leading to potential structural weaknesses and limited design flexibility for the protruding portions.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage apparatus incorporates a terminal member with a shaft portion and a neighboring member featuring a protruding portion that overlaps with the shaft's projection region, reducing the orthogonal distance and thereby minimizing the force applied to the engaging portion when torque is applied, while allowing for increased design freedom in the shape of the protruding portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts are mounted on the end plates to secure the structure, then the structural strength is improved, but excessive torque is applied to the joined portions causing potential structural weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
A protruding portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the terminal member and the end plate. This protruding portion extends from the end plate and is inserted into the terminal member, serving as a mediator that transmits the securing function while reducing the torque burden on the welded joined portions of the end plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing function is segmented into two parts: the protruding portion that provides mechanical engagement and reduces torque on end plates, and the bolts that secure the terminal member to the holder. This segmentation allows the torque to be distributed more favorably, protecting the end plate joined portions from excessive stress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the protruding portion is positioned far from the shaft portion, then the design flexibility is improved, but the force applied to the engaging portion increases when torque is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The positional parameter of the protruding portion is optimized by setting it at a specific distance from the shaft portion. This parameter change achieves a balance: the protruding portion is positioned far enough to provide design flexibility and accommodate various terminal member configurations, but close enough to minimize the lever arm and reduce the force applied to the engaging portion when torque acts on the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an energy storage apparatus including: a neighboring member disposed adjacently to an energy storage device; and a terminal member disposed adjacently to the neighboring member on a side opposite to the energy storage device, wherein the terminal member has: a body extending along the neighboring member; and a bolt member having a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion, and mounted on the body in a state where the shaft portion is made to pass through the body from a neighboring member side, the neighboring member has a protruding portion protruding in an axial direction of the shaft portion, and the protruding portion is inserted into the body at a position where at least a portion of the protruding portion overlaps with a projection region of the shaft portion in the axial direction.