Wiring Module Insulating Protector Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power storage module positioning techniques lead to potential misalignment between bus bars and electrode terminals due to the use of intermediate voltage detection electrodes, which can result in decreased welding accuracy, especially when the distance between electrode terminals is large.

Innovation Solution

A power storage module configuration that includes a battery connection module with an insulating protector featuring a first and second positioning portion to securely engage with corresponding positioned portions on the power storage elements, reducing misalignment and maintaining welding accuracy through precise alignment of bus bars and electrode terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electrode portion for intermediate voltage detection is simply used as the positioned portion, then the workability of attaching the battery connection module is improved, but position misalignment between the bus bars and electrode terminals is likely to occur when the dimension between electrode terminals is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkability of attaching battery connection moduleVSAvoidposition misalignment between bus bars and electrode terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into two independent positioning portions: the first positioning portion engages with the electrode portion for intermediate voltage detection to provide basic positioning and improve workability, while the second positioning portion engages with a separate positioned portion to provide additional constraint and eliminate position misalignment. This segmentation allows each positioning portion to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated positioned portion is introduced as an intermediary element on the power storage element, specifically designed to engage with the second positioning portion of the battery connection module. This intermediary positioned portion acts as a reference feature that enables precise positioning without relying solely on the electrode portion, thereby eliminating position misalignment while maintaining ease of attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If position misalignment occurs between the bus bars and electrode terminals, then the welding accuracy decreases when connecting through laser welding, but adding more positioning features increases the complexity of the battery connection module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of battery connection module
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery connection module integrates both the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion within a single insulating protector component. This merging of multiple positioning functions into one integrated component achieves precise positioning and maintains welding accuracy without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the positioning features are combined rather than added as separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating protector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, houses the bus bar holding portions, and incorporates both the first and second positioning portions for precise positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining welding accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10797289B2Wiring module
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US10797289B2 patent drawing
  • US10797289B2 patent drawing
  • US10797289B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power storage module includes: multiple power storage elements that each include a pair of electrode terminals and an electrode arrangement surface; and a battery connection module that is mounted on the multiple power storage elements. The battery connection module includes an insulating protector that is provided in correspondence with a predetermined number of power storage elements. The insulating protector includes: a first position portion that engages with a first positioned portion provided between the pair of electrode terminals on the electrode arrangement surface of one power storage element; and a second positioning portion that engages with the second positioned portion provided in the periphery of at least one of the pair of electrode portions on the electrode arrangement surface of the one electrode terminal or on the electrode arrangement surface of the one other electrode terminal.