Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention generally relates to an energy storage unit of a vehicle, and more particularly relates to an interface member of the energy storage unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Thermal management in electronic devices is a process of controlling temperature of the electronic devices to ensure that it operates within a safe and optimal range. The electronic devices generate heat due to flow of electricity through their circuits and components. If the generated heat is not dissipated effectively, it can damage the device or reduce its performance.
[003] Effective thermal management in the electronic devices involves several strategies, including heat sinks. A heat sink is a device that helps dissipate heat from the device by transferring it to a larger surface area. The heat sinks are typically made of materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, and can be attached to the device using thermal interface materials like thermal paste or pads.
[004] Another way of thermal management includes fans. The fans are used to blow air over the devices, or the heat sink to increase the heat dissipation rate. They can be integrated into the device or added externally.
[005] Yet another way of thermal management includes thermal interface materials. The thermal interface materials are used to improve the thermal contact between two surfaces, such as the device and the heat sink. They can increase the heat transfer rate by filling any air gaps or surface imperfections.
[006] Yet another thermal management includes thermal design. The thermal design of the device can also affect its thermal performance. For example, components can be placed in locations where they are less likely to generate heat or where the heat dissipation is more effective.
[007] Thermal management of the electronic devices further includes cooling methods, which further includes active cooling and passive cooling methods. In the active cooling method, it involves using an external energy, typically from a power source, to transfer heat away from the device. Examples of active cooling methods include, but not limited to, forced air cooling, liquid cooling, and thermoelectric cooling. Forced air cooling involves using fans or blowers to circulate air over the device and dissipate heat. Liquid cooling, on the other hand, uses a liquid coolant, such as water or a specialized fluid or coolant (supplied using pumps), to absorb and remove heat from the device. Thermoelectric cooling uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of a thermoelectric device to the other, where the heat can be dissipated to the environment.
[008] In the passive cooling method, it uses no external energy source and relies on natural processes to remove heat from the device. Examples of passive cooling methods include natural convection, radiation, and phase-change materials. The natural convection involves movement of air due to temperature differences, while radiation involves transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Phase-change materials include materials such as wax or paraffin to absorb and release the heat as they change between solid and liquid states, providing a way to regulate a temperature without an external energy input.
[009] Overall, active cooling tends to be more effective at removing heat from devices, but it can also be more complex and expensive to implement. On the other hand, the passive cooling methods are simpler and less expensive, but they may not be sufficient for devices that generate a lot of heat. The choice of cooling method depends on the specific device and its cooling requirements.
[010] Thus, the thermal management is a critical aspect of a battery design and operation, as the batteries can generate heat during charging and discharging. The excessive heat can lead to reduced battery life, safety risks, and even failure or fire accidents. There are several ways to manage thermal issues in batteries, including the thermal management systems as explained above.
[011] The thermal management system may further include cell design. Battery manufacturers can design cells with features that help manage temperature, such as larger surface areas, thin or flexible substrates, and materials with high thermal conductivity.
[012] The thermal management system may further include electrolyte selection. The choice of electrolyte can also impact the thermal management. For example, some electrolytes can withstand higher temperatures than others, and some electrolytes can even act as a coolant.
[013] The thermal management system may further include charge/discharge rates. The rate at which a battery is charged or discharged can impact temperature. Slower rates can reduce heat generation, while faster rates can increase the heat generation.
[014] The thermal management system may further include thermal modeling. Advanced modeling techniques can help battery designers predict and optimize temperature performance. This can involve using a software to simulate heat flow and temperature gradients in different parts of the battery.
[015] Li-ion batteries present safety concerns. If the Li-ion battery is short-circuited or exposed to a high temperature, exothermic reactions can be triggered, resulting in a self-enhanced increasing temperature loop known as ‘thermal runaway’ that can lead to battery fires and explosions.
[016] Li-ion batteries use a polymer separator and a flammable electrolyte, which are both constrained to certain temperature limits for safe performance. When a Li-ion battery’s temperature increases to approximately 130–150oC, the high-energy materials and the organic components are not stable and are prone to generate more heat. If the generated heat does not dissipate, the battery temperature will further increase and accelerate the heat-releasing process.
[017] Thermal runaway may be triggered if a battery has certain defects that can lead to short-circuiting, is overheated, is subject to high pulse power usage, or is punctured.
[018] The disadvantages associated with existing designs and methods are some of the above explained thermal management methods employ a cooling liquid being circulated in a compact vehicle layout such as in a two-wheeled vehicle this wouldn’t be very feasible from a design perspective. Hence alternate mechanisms for addressing thermal management are required.
[019] Further, some other thermal management methods employ ‘Phase Change Materials’ (PCM) deployed between the cells of the battery pack. The PCM are capable of absorbing the heat emanating from the cells only upon the cells reaching a threshold temperature. The PCM configuration fails to address heating concerns in the battery pack before the cells reach the threshold temperature.
[020] Thus, there is a need in the art to overcome the aforesaid problems by providing an interface member of the energy storage unit that addresses these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[021] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit comprises one or more energy storage modules. Each energy storage module comprises a plurality of cells. The energy storage unit further comprises one or more connecting members. The one or more connecting members comprises one or more surfaces. The plurality of cells of each of the one or more energy storage module is connected to the one or more surfaces of the one or more connecting members. The energy storage unit further comprises at least one interface member. The at least one interface member is disposed onto at least one of the one or more surfaces of the one or more connecting members. The at least one interface member is configured to control temperature of the one or more energy storage modules.
[022] In an embodiment, the at least one interface member comprises a first interface member disposed onto a first surface of the one or more connecting members, and a second interface member disposed onto a second surface of the one or more connecting members.
[023] In a further embodiment, the first interface member comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a profile which is configured to conform with a profile of the first surface of the one or more connecting members.
[024] In a further embodiment, the second interface member comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a profile which is configured to conform with a profile of the second surface of the one or more connecting members.
[025] In a further embodiment, the first interface member and the second interface member comprise an adhesive layer.
[026] In a further embodiment, the at least one interface member comprises one or more protruding members to enable contact with a casing of the energy storage unit. The casing is configured to accommodate the one or more energy storage modules.
[027] In a further embodiment, the at least one interface member comprises grooves at one or more edges of the at least one interface member. The grooves ae configured to accommodate one or more protruding members of the casing ensuring disposition of the interface member over the casing.
[028] In a further embodiment, the energy storage unit comprises a coolant passage. The coolant passage is formed between the casing and the one or more energy storage modules.
[029] In a further embodiment, the at least one interface member comprises a bent portion. The bent portion is configured to accommodate thickness of one or more power connectors.
[030] In a further embodiment, the first interface member has a layout different than that of a layout of the second interface member for ensuring Poka yoke.
[031] In a further embodiment, the at least one interface member comprises one or more protruding members. The one or more protruding members faces inwards along a surface of the one or more power connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[032] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an energy storage module of an energy storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage module of the energy storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the front perspective view of the energy storage module with one or more connecting members of the energy storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates the rear perspective view of the energy storage module with one or more connecting members of the energy storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the energy storage unit with at least one interface member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage unit with at least one interface member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7a illustrates a front perspective view of the interface member shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7b illustrates another front perspective view of the interface member shown in Figure 5 along with ends for coolant pockets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the interface member shown in Figure 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a casing enclosing the energy storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[033] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[034] The claimed invention provides effective thermal management system which can be easily implemented in compact vehicle layouts. An interface member provided in the energy storage unit provides the thermal management across all temperature ranges. Further, the interface member in the energy storage unit is economic in construction without the use of extensive channels/ tubes in thermal regulation. The interface member in the energy storage unit provides effective heat dissipation and effective heat transfer mechanism. The claimed invention of the interface member in the energy storage unit further provides thermal management at all condition, cooling of cell tab as well as surface condition. The thermal protection for cells and a battery module ensures good performance in the vehicle. The interface member provides overall protection to the energy storage device and the vehicle. The present invention further enhances safety towards all-purpose in the vehicle running condition as well as in an idle condition.
[035] It is one objective of the present invention to provide an interface member (thermal interference material) which addresses heating in the connecting member (interconnector surface) of a battery module of the energy storage unit. The thermal interference material is a thermally conducting material (to allow good heat dissipation) yet electrically insulating and is disposed over the interconnector surface of the battery module and covered by a casing of energy storage unit.
[036] In another objective of the present invention, the present invention eliminates the usage of multiple interconnectors in a series mode which are individually connected with row cells arrangement by a single tray type interface member at a top surface and a bottom surface of the battery module.
[037] In yet another objective of the present invention, construction of the interface member (also referred as a spacer) holds multiple connecting members in a single plane as per the desired requirement. Thus, the position of the spacer provides a complete half battery module welding solution and coolant control.
[038] In yet another objective of the present invention, the thermal interference material (interface member) has a profile mapped into a surface to ensure ease of assembly of the interface member over the connecting member. Further, the interface member has an adhesive layer on the surface which mates with the connecting member, more particularly the tapping surface of the connecting member where a maximum heat is generated. Thus, only hand pressing, or machine pressing is sufficient to dispose the interface member over the connecting member.
[039] In yet another objective of the present invention, the interface member is provided with multiple pips/projections/buttons extending from the interface member to ensure thermal contact with the casing made of aluminium. Thus, making the interface member more effective in thermal management.
[040] In yet another objective of the present invention, the interface member comprises grooves at requisite edges to ensure proper disposition of the interface member over the connecting member. The grooves accommodate plastic pips of the front surface/ rear surface of the battery module.
[041] In yet another objective of the present invention, the battery module with the casing arrangement is temperature controlled by a coolant material. Once the temperature raises due to battery performance, the temperature is controlled by the coolant. A coolant filling arrangement is provided in which the coolant material is filled after the assembly of the casing, battery module and the interface member.
[042] In yet another objective to have a profile/ layout of the thermal interference material (interface member) which is provided at a front surface of the battery module different from a profile/ layout of the thermal interference material (interface member) at a rear surface of the battery module to address Poka Yoke.
[043] It is further an objective of the present invention, where in the rear surface of the interface member, a bent portion is provided to accommodate a thickness of the power connectors. The projections/ pips of the thermal interference material face inwards along the power connector surface to ensure Poka yoke / ease of assembly/ fault reduction in assembly.
[044] Present invention can find its application in a two-wheeled vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle, four-wheeled vehicle, all energy storage application, power backup, all electronics application with wireless mode.
[045] The present invention deals the multimodal function and thermal solution implement with multi benefit can be arrived, for example: thermal conduction, and electrical insulation for protection against short circuit.
[046] Temperature control in the battery application is the immense solution to achieve best performance in the all-weather condition. In the battery module and battery pack cooling, both active as well as passive cooling methods can be provided. In the battery cluster multiple batteries can be connected mechanically as well as electrically so there is need of electrical insulation as well as temperature control.
[047] In the present configuration, the cells (and more particularly the tapping surfaces) are thermally cooled down by temperature control coolant / thermal interface material in the cell tab connected both positive terminal and negative terminal. Overall temperature of the battery module is controlled by interface member along with the assembly of the connecting member and the casing.
[048] The proposed cooling mechanism eliminates requirement of more number of parts in the assembly as well as enhances the productivity or assembly time in the overall manufacturing of the battery pack.
[049] Present invention generally relates to an energy storage unit 100 of a vehicle, and more particularly relates to an interface member 106 of the energy storage unit 100.
[050] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an energy storage module 102 of the energy storage unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The term “energy storage unit” as referred in the present disclosure is a “battery pack”, and the term “battery pack” is interchangeably used in place of the term “energy storage unit” and more often with the “battery pack” for brevity. The battery pack typically contains a plurality of battery modules 102 which are being charged by an external electrical source and/or by a regenerative braking system in the vehicle, and the stored energy from the battery modules 102 may be utilized for supplying electrical energy to one or more electric and/or electrical components of the vehicle and/or for suppling electrical energy to a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle. Thus, the application of the present invention may be found in vehicles, such as, but not limited to, internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. In some embodiments, the present invention may also find its applications apart from vehicles like any machine driven or operated by the energy of the battery pack. It may be understood that the term “vehicle” as used herein may include, but not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle (like scooter or bike) or a three-wheeled vehicle or a four or multi wheeled vehicle.
[051] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, each of the energy storage module 102 comprise a plurality of cells 102A. It is to be noted that the present invention is being illustrated using a single energy storage module 102 for the purposes of simplicity. If the energy storage unit 100 comprises more than one battery modules 102, the explanation for the other battery modules also be the same. In an exemplary embodiment, configuration of the plurality of cells 102A in the energy storage module 102 are of ‘m’ number of cells in series while ‘n’ number of cells are connected in parallel.
[052] In some embodiments, the plurality of cells 102A of the energy storage module 102 may be made of material, including, but not limited to, Lithium-ion material. It may be contemplated that the plurality of cells 102A are not limited to only Lithium-ion, and the cells may be made of any other material and thus, the scope of application of the present invention may not be limited to only battery module having the Lithium-ions.
[053] Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the energy storage module 102 with one or more connecting members 104 of the energy storage unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates the rear perspective view of the energy storage module 102 with the one or more connecting members 104 of the energy storage unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiments, the one or more connecting members 104 comprises one or more surfaces 104A, 104B. The plurality of cells 102A of each of the one or more energy storage module 102 is connected to the one or more surfaces 104A, 104B of the one or more connecting members 104. In an embodiment, at least one interface member 106 is disposed onto at least one of the one or more surfaces 104A, 104B of the one or more connecting members 104.
[054] In an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage module 102 comprises a front surface covered by a front cover. So, the front surface comprises of ‘n’ number of connecting members 104 which would be connecting the ‘n’ cells in parallel. Further, the connecting member 104 may be made of material having a combination of nickel and copper and with a thickness ranging between of 2 mm - 5 mm.
[055] The battery module 102 further comprises a rear surface covered by a rear cover. The rear surface comprises ‘n-1’ number of connecting members 104 connecting the adjacent series of cells in parallel. The rear surface additionally has two power connectors 110 disposed at opposite ends of the rear surface parallel to the ‘n-1’ interconnectors. Amongst the two power connectors 110, one is for positive terminal, and another is for negative terminal. The power connectors 110 in structure are thicker than the normal interconnectors connecting the cells in parallel as there is a higher current capacity associated with the power interconnectors. In some exemplary embodiment, the power connectors 110 may be made of a copper material and a thickness of the power connectors 110 may be about 7 mm owing to high current capacity requirement. As illustrated, the power connectors 110 may be disposed on opposite ends of the rear surface. In some exemplary embodiment, the power connectors 110 may also be permissible to be disposed in the middle. Further, the power connector 110 connects with a Battery Management System (BMS) (not shown) of the battery module 102. A casing (108) (may also be referred as an external enclosure) of the battery module 102 may have another set of power connectors (not shown) which connects the battery module 102 with a vehicle system having Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (not shown) or other controller (not shown).
[056] The power connectors 110 have similar functions and structure as the normal interconnectors except for accommodating the high current capacity requirement. Each connecting member 104 along its surface connects ‘m’ cells in series. The connecting member (interconnectors) 104 then are electrically coupled to the adjacent interconnectors to connect the ‘n’ number of energy storage units 100 in parallel, giving an “m x n” combination in the battery module 102. In conventional battery thermal management systems there may be a Phase Change Material (PCM) involved which changes phase only when excessive heating occurs in the battery module. Even before the threshold temperature of the PCM, heating of the battery modules may occur which remains unattended.
[057] Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the energy storage unit 100 with the at least one interface member 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage unit 100 with at least one interface member 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the at least one interface member 106 is configured to control temperature of the one or more energy storage modules 102. The at least one interface member 106 comprises a first interface member 106A disposed onto a first surface 104A of the one or more connecting members 104 as shown in Figure 5. In a further embodiment, the at least one interface member 106 comprises a second interface member 106B disposed onto a second surface 104B of the one or more connecting members 104 as shown in Figure 6.
[058] Figure 7a illustrates a front perspective view of the interface member 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the first interface member 106A comprises an inner surface 106A1 and an outer surface 106A2. The inner surface 106A1 comprises a profile which is configured to conform with a profile of the first surface 104A of the one or more connecting members 104.
[059] In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 7b, the interface member 106, particularly the first interface member 106A comprises two ends 106F. The two ends 106F may be used as coolant pockets of the interface member 106.
[060] Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the interface member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the second interface member 106B comprises an inner surface 106B1 and an outer surface 106B2. The inner surface 106B1 comprises a profile which is configured to conform with a profile of the second surface 104B of the one or more connecting members 104.
[061] In an embodiment, the first interface member 106A and the second interface member 106B comprise an adhesive layer. In an embodiment, the at least one interface member 106 comprises one or more protruding members 106C to enable contact with a casing 108 of the energy storage unit 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the protruding members 106C are of about 2 mm thickness while the interface member 106 is 1 mm thickness.
[062] The casing 108 shown in Figure 9 is configured to accommodate the one or more energy storage modules 102. In an embodiment, the at least one interface member 106 comprises grooves 106G at one or more edges 106E of the at least one interface member 106. The grooves 104G are configured to accommodate one or more protruding members 108A of the casing 108 ensuring disposition of the interface member 106 over the casing 108.
[063] In an embodiment shown in Figure 6, the at least one interface member 106 comprises a bent portion 112. The bent portion 112 is configured to accommodate thickness of one or more power connectors 110. In an embodiment, the first interface member 106A has a layout different than that of a layout of the second interface member 106B for ensuring Poka yoke. In an embodiment, the at least one interface member 106 comprises one or more protruding members 106D. The one or more protruding members 106D faces inwards along a surface of the one or more power connectors 110.
[064] In an embodiment, the energy storage unit 100 comprises a coolant passage (not shown). The coolant passage is formed between the casing 108 and the one or more energy storage modules 102. In some embodiments, the interface member 106 is added in the 2 mm - 3 mm space that exists between the connecting member 104 (external surface of the connecting member) and an internal surface of the casing 108. The interface member 106 directly interacts with the casing 108 made of aluminum material. In some embodiments, the interface member 106 can be made of a combination of material including, but not limited to, a flexible polymer material and tin.
[065] Advantageously, the interface member disclosed in the present invention avoids short circuit in the battery pack. Further, the interface member provides Thermal management, Poka yoke, cost effective as PCM can be eliminated, thermal interference material gives faster heat dissipation material, and secure disposition.
[066] In addition to the above advantages, the present invention provides advantages of improved performance of the overall battery pack due to optimized temperature in the battery module, enhanced durability of the battery pack, improved aesthetics since a compact solution to thermal concerns in the battery pack are provided, ease of serviceability as the sheet of thermal interface material can be easily removed to access the battery module components, ease of manufacturability and assembly by providing Poka yoke implementation, improved cooling and ergonomics, cost reduction and part reduction as the disclosed solution can easily replace PCMs in battery modules, safety of the battery pack is addressed against short circuit, modularity - whenever there is an increase in the pack capacity or power this tray method useful and effective material management possible. Any type of location specific thermal management possible by this method.
[067] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters:
100: Energy storage unit
102: Energy storage modules
102A: Plurality of cells
104: Connecting members
104A: First surface of connecting member
104B: Second surface of connecting member
106: Interface member
106A: First interface member
106B: Second interface member
106A1: Inner surface of first interface member
106A2: Outer surface of first interface member
106B1: Inner surface of second interface member
106B2: Outer surface of second interface member
106C: Protruding member
106G: Grooves
106E: Edges of interface member
106F: Ends of interface member
108: Casing
110: Power connectors
112: Bent portion
, Claims:1. An energy storage unit (100), the energy storage unit (100) comprising:
one or more energy storage modules (102), each energy storage module (102) comprise a plurality of cells (102A);
one or more connecting members (104), the one or more connecting members (104) comprising one or more surfaces (104A, 104B), wherein the plurality of cells (102A) of each of the one or more energy storage module (102) being connected to the one or more surfaces (104A, 104B) of the one or more connecting members (104); and
at least one interface member (106), the at least one interface member (106) being disposed onto at least one of the one or more surfaces (104A, 104B) of the one or more connecting members (104), the at least one interface member (106) being configured to control temperature of the one or more energy storage modules (102).

2. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one interface member (106) comprises a first interface member (106A) disposed onto a first surface (104A) of the one or more connecting members (104), and a second interface member (106B) disposed onto a second surface (104B) of the one or more connecting members (104).

3. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first interface member (106A) comprises an inner surface (106A1) and an outer surface (106A2), the inner surface (106A1) comprising a profile being configured to conform with a profile of the first surface (104A) of the one or more connecting members (104).

4. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second interface member (106B) comprises an inner surface (106B1) and an outer surface (106B2), the inner surface (106B1) comprising a profile being configured to conform with a profile of the second surface (104B) of the one or more connecting members (104).

5. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first interface member (106A) and the second interface member (106B) comprise an adhesive layer.

6. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one interface member (106) comprises one or more protruding members (106C) to enable contact with a casing (108) of the energy storage unit (100), the casing (108) being configured to accommodate the one or more energy storage modules (102).

7. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one interface member (106) comprises grooves (106G) at one or more edges (106E) of the at least one interface member (106), the grooves (106G) being configured to accommodate one or more protruding members (108A) of the casing (108) ensuring disposition of the interface member (106) over the casing (108).

8. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a coolant passage, the coolant passage being formed between the casing (108) and the one or more energy storage modules (102).

9. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one interface member (106) comprises a bent portion 112, the bent portion 112 being configured to accommodate thickness of one or more power connectors (110).

10. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first interface member (106A) has a layout different than that of a layout of the second interface member (106B) for ensuring Poka yoke.

11. The energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one interface member (106) comprises one or more protruding members (106D), the one or more protruding members (106D) faces inwards along a surface of the one or more power connectors.