12 patents in this list

Updated:

Just like the common tendency of all batteries, EV batteries also have a limited lifespan and need replacement. However, a challenge lies in the cost-effectiveness of EV battery swapping. The process involves clunky procedures that require technicians, which is one of the barriers that discourage consumers from buying EVs. The wide adoption of EVs by consumers will need simpler, do-it-yourself battery swaps. That's why emerging technologies and innovations are in the works to pave the way for DIY EV battery replacements. This exploration summarizes recent patents on techniques for manufacturing easily replaceable EV batteries.

1. Innovative Riveted Pole Battery Design for Enhanced Thermal Management and Assembly Efficiency

Microvast Power Systems Co., Ltd., Microvast, Inc., 2023

Battery design that improves thermal management, ease of assembly and reduces cost while improving energy density in cylindrical cells. The battery uses a riveted pole that penetrates the cover plate to connect to the cell. The riveted pole allows cell connection without separate terminals, enabling flexible cell polarity arrangement during assembly. It also improves heat dissipation compared to traditional tabs. The riveted pole reduces complexity, parts count and cost while increasing energy density.

US20230299396A1-patent-drawing

2. Terminal Protection Mechanism for Safe Insertion and Removal of EV Batteries

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., 2023

Battery storage device for vehicles that allows inserting and removing EV batteries in a way that avoids damaging the terminals. The battery case has a mechanism to displace the case side terminal away from the battery terminal when inserting/removing. The mechanism is operated using a lever that first retracts the case terminal, then locks the battery in place. This prevents contact between the terminals until after insertion, avoiding damage if the battery is inserted roughly.

US11760433B2-patent-drawing

3. Innovative Battery Holder Design for Quick and Secure Battery Replacement in Light Electric Vehicles

REVONTE OY, 2023

Battery holder and battery holder arrangement for light electric vehicles that allows easy one-handed insertion, secure holding, and quick release of a vehicle battery. The holder has a pivoting latch mechanism with a rotating arm and extending tongue that automatically engages with the battery to lock it in place when inserted. A pivot surface on the fixed end of the holder provides a rotation point for the battery. The latch has spring and torsion mechanisms to extend and rotate the arm, and a locking unit to secure the latch closed.

US20230291051A1-patent-drawing

4. Innovative Battery Pack Design with Integrated Channels for Sensing Wire Management

LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD., 2023

Battery pack design with an internal channel for securing sensing wires between battery cells. The battery pack has a frame with pillars and bent extensions that create spaces for the sensing wires. The wires can be easily inserted and held in place by the frame without needing adhesive. This simplifies wire installation compared to using tape or adhesive to secure them.

US20230291019A1-patent-drawing

5. Innovative Bolt and Nut Coupling System for Easy Electric Vehicle Battery Replacement

Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, 2023

Battery pack case for electric vehicles that allows easier and cheaper replacement of worn or damaged parts. The case uses a bolt and nut coupling instead of welding. The bolt attaches to the vehicle frame, with a first nut tightening onto it and a second nut tightening onto the first nut. This provides a secure connection without welding. When the battery pack is repeatedly attached and detached, only the nuts may wear out or get damaged. By avoiding welding, these nuts can be easily replaced instead of the entire frame, reducing maintenance cost.

US20230238638A1-patent-drawing

6. Innovative Sliding Bracket Mechanism for Efficient Electric Vehicle Battery Connector Installation

CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED, 2023

Battery installation device for a battery pack that allows the electrical connector to be quickly and easily installed and positioned inside a limited space battery case. This is achieved by a sliding bracket connected to a base that is fixed to the battery case. The electrical connector is assembled onto the bracket. The bracket can slide relative to the base along the height direction of the battery. This enables the connector to be inserted into the case, then the bracket slid down to secure it. This allows connector installation in a confined space without pre-drilled holes or ties.

7. Modular Removable Battery System for Extended Electric Vehicle Range

Daniel Remon Rodriguez, 2023

An energy storage system for electric vehicles that allows temporary addition of batteries to extend range. The vehicle has a permanently-installed energy storage system for normal use. But it also has a removable battery compartment that can be manually inserted/removed from the vehicle to add temporary batteries for longer trips. The battery compartment accommodates an extra battery with the same electrical connections and cooling as the permanent system. The removable battery can be installed using a simple horizontal movement, and tools with wheels or adjustable height can help.

US11679659B2-patent-drawing

8. Contactless Replaceable Battery Pack System with Magnetic Induction for Electric Vehicles

InductEV, Inc., 2023

A contactless replaceable battery pack system using magnetic induction for charging and discharging. The batteries are enclosed in a sealed case with magnetic couplers on the outside to wirelessly transfer power and data. This enables contactless charging and swapping of batteries without physical connectors. The battery packs are distributed to locations where they can be exchanged or recharged. A battery management system monitors and controls the batteries.

9. Innovative Breakaway Battery Module Design for Easy Disassembly and Replacement

PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS, INC., 2023

Battery module design that allows easier disassembly of battery packs by less skilled operators without damaging cells. The design has bus bars that connect cells and breakaway points that can be easily snapped apart using force in the direction of cell separation.

US20230155254A1-patent-drawing

10. Modular Battery Pack Frame for Simplified EV Battery Replacement

SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., 2023

Battery pack frame for electric vehicles that allows easy removal and replacement of individual battery modules. The frame uses split beams with slideable connections that hold the battery modules. The split beams can be disengaged to slide out a row of battery modules for servicing. This modular design avoids having to remove the entire battery pack to replace a single module.

11. Elastic Clamping System for Quick and Secure EV Battery Replacement

AISIN KEIKINZOKU CO., LTD., 2022

A battery mounting system for vehicles that securely holds the battery in place using elastic members and inserts. The system uses a holding panel and pair of mounting brackets to clamp the battery module. Elastic members on the brackets press against the battery ends to restrain it. Inserts can be added between the elastic and battery to adjust the clamping force. This compact structure provides efficient battery installation with secure retention while allowing quick removal.

US11394071B2-patent-drawing

12. Quick-Release Battery Installation Mechanism for Electric Vehicles

Shanq-Ching SHIEH, 2021

Battery installation mechanism for electric vehicles that facilitates convenience in battery replacement. The mechanism secures the battery in place while allowing quick and easy removal and replacement when needed.

US20210104716A1-patent-drawing

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