Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

AN ENERGY STORAGE UNIT AND A DAMPENING PAD FOR ONE OR MORE SIDES THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to an energy storage unit and dampening pad for one or more sides thereof. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to an energy storage unit of a vehicle and dampening pad for one or more sides thereof.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A battery pack houses high-capacity batteries for storing and supplying power to one or more electrical components of the vehicle. As we move towards an era of sustainable transportation, solutions like dockable and swappable battery packs for electric, hybrid or even conventional engine vehicles are more efficient and user-friendly. Moreover, the arrival of detachable batteries has enhanced the convenience for users as they can be charged anywhere for instance, within a dwelling or a workplace, without the need for the vehicle to be present in the vicinity of the charging point or mains source. This not only saves time but also saves the extra work of finding a charging station. In automobiles, the dockable battery being used are bulky and heavy. There is a likelihood that the battery could be dropped due to its heavy weight, upon being handled for recharging.
[0003] Especially, the lower portion of the battery having less thickness, is vulnerable to cracks or any deformities leading to field complaints, and customer usage issues. This may also result in the breakage of the battery housing, short circuits, and damage to the IP (Ingress Protection) ration; making the battery unsuitable for any further usage.
[0004] The available solutions in the prior art fail to provide protection to the casing, when the battery is subjected to forces that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface. In the existing technology, dampers are used for protecting against a vertical force acting on the battery surface. These dampers provide only limited range of protection as the critical portions of the battery housing, like edges and corners, remain exposed to the disproportionate impacts of forces which are not perpendicular to the bottom surface. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved integrity and safety to the dockable battery, in case of drop off while it is being handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present subject matter relates to a dampening pad for one or more sides of an energy storage unit housing. The dampening pad comprises a first surface, one or more walls, and one or more first receiving edges. The first surface is configured to interface the one or more sides of the energy storage unit housing. The one or more walls extends from the first surface. The one or more first receiving edges are formed at a junction of the first surface and the one or more walls. A profile of the one or more first receiving edges conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge of the one or more side. The one or more first receiving edges is configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge of the one or more sides.
[0006] The present subject matter also relates to an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy cells, and an energy storage unit housing. The plurality of energy cells is configured to store the energy. The energy storage unit housing is configured to house the plurality of energy cells. The energy storage unit housing comprises a first side, and a second side. The first side is in a proximity of a connector. The second side is opposite the first side. The second side comprises a plurality of portions. At least one of the plurality of portions is received by a dampening pad. The dampening pad comprises a first surface, a one or more walls, and a one or more first receiving edges. The first surface is configured to interface the second side. The one or more walls is extended perpendicularly from the first surface. The one or more first receiving edges is formed at a junction of the first surface and one of the one or more walls. A profile of the one or more first receiving edges conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge of the second side. The one or more first receiving edges is configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge of the second side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an energy storage unit and dampening pad for one or more sides thereof. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer similar features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit from a second side of the energy storage unit.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the energy storage unit.
[0010] Figure 3a illustrates a side view of the energy storage unit from a second side of the energy storage unit.
[0011] Figure 3b illustrates a side view of the energy storage unit from a first side of the energy storage unit.
[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the dampening pad from a top side of the dampening pad.
[0013] Figure 5a illustrates a side perspective view of the dampening pad from a bottom side of the dampening pad.
[0014] Figure 5b illustrates a side view of the dampening pad from a top side of the dampening pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In order to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned challenges, the present invention disclose an energy storage unit and dampening pad for one or more sides thereof. The dampening pad ensures that the energy storage unit housing does not get damaged during drop off. It ensures that whatever impact load acting on the energy storage unit housing is first observed by the dampening pad. Thus, the dampening pad protects the lower portion of the battery having less thickness, especially the edges and corners, from the impacts of forces which are not perpendicular to the bottom surface of the energy storage unit housing.
[0016] As per one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a dampening pad for one or more sides of an energy storage unit housing. The dampening pad comprises a first surface, one or more walls, and one or more first receiving edges. The first surface is configured to interface the one or more sides of the energy storage unit housing. The one or more walls extends from the first surface. The one or more first receiving edges are formed at a junction of the first surface and the one or more walls. A profile of the one or more first receiving edges conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge of the one or more side. The one or more first receiving edges is configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge of the one or more sides.
[0017] As per one embodiment of the invention, two of the one or more walls are joined together to form one of a one or more second receiving edges. The one of the one or more second receiving edges is joined with two of the one or more first receiving edges to form one of a plurality of receiving corners.
[0018] As per one embodiment of the invention, a profile of the plurality of receiving corners conforms with a profile of a plurality of received corners of the energy storage unit housing. An inner surface of the plurality of receiving corners is configured to interface an outer surface of the plurality of received corners.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ribs is provided on an outer surface of the one or more walls. The plurality of ribs is in a proximity of the plurality of receiving corners.
[0020] As per one embodiment of the invention, the first surface is provided with a first thickness. The one or more walls is provided with a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than a second thickness.
[0021] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more sides comprise a first side and a second side. The first surface is configured to interface with the second side. The first surface is provided with at least one mounting hole. The at least one mounting hole is configured to align with at least one mounting opening to receive a mounting member. The at least one mounting opening is provided on the second side of the energy storage unit housing.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the invention, a length of the mounting member is smaller than a first thickness of the first surface.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more sides comprise a first side and a second side. The second side comprises a plurality of portions. The dampening pad is configured to support the plurality of portions.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of portions comprises a first portion and a second portion. The dampening pad is configured to be split in to a first dampening portion for the first portion and a second dampening portion for the second portion.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the invention, the second dampening portion and the first dampening portion are structurally integrated using at least one connecting member.
[0026] In another embodiment, the invention relates to an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy cells, and an energy storage unit housing. The plurality of energy cells is configured to store the energy. The energy storage unit housing is configured to house the plurality of energy cells. The energy storage unit housing comprises a first side, and a second side. The first side is in a proximity of a connector. The second side is opposite the first side. The second side comprises a plurality of portions. At least one of the plurality of portions is received by a dampening pad. The dampening pad comprises a first surface, a one or more walls, and a one or more first receiving edges. The first surface is configured to interface the second side. The one or more walls is extended perpendicularly from the first surface. The one or more first receiving edges is formed at a junction of the first surface and one of the one or more walls. A profile of the one or more first receiving edges conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge of the second side. The one or more first receiving edges is configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge of the second side.
[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of an energy storage unit (100) and a dampening pad (300) for one or more sides (201, 202) thereof, along with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described hereunder relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0028] The embodiments shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3a, and Figure 3b are taken together for discussion. Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an energy storage unit (100) from a second side of the energy storage unit (100). Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the energy storage unit (100). Figure 3a illustrates a side view of the energy storage unit (100) from a second side of the energy storage unit (100). Figure 3b illustrates a side view of the energy storage unit (100) from a first side of the energy storage unit (100).
[0029] The energy storage unit (100) comprises a plurality of energy cells (not shown), and an energy storage unit housing (200). The plurality of energy cells is configured to store the energy. In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit (100) is a battery configured to store and supply an electrical energy to a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit (100) is a dockable battery which ensures seamless charging experience while enhancing portability by eliminating cumbersome external charging devices. The energy storage unit (100) can be charged anywhere for instance without the need for the vehicle to be present. This not only saves time but also saves the extra work of finding a charging station. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy storage unit (100) is a lithium-ion battery. However, the present invention can also be worked with lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and ultracapacitors.
[0030] The energy storage unit housing (200) is configured to house the plurality of energy cells. The energy storage unit housing (200) comprises a first side (201), and a second side (202). The first side (201) is in a proximity of a connector (201C). The connector (201C) electrically couples with a connector of the vehicle or a connector of the charging utility to allow a discharging or charging of the plurality of energy cells respectively. The energy storage unit housing (200) is made from a material which has excellent mechanical properties, such as high stiffness and strength combined with low weight. Materials like carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) can be used as they have low weight and high specific stiffness. Further, the CFRP and GFRP offer increased fire protection, improved thermal management and corrosion resistance.
[0031] The second side (202) is opposite the first side (201). The second side (202) comprises a plurality of portions (202A, 202B). The plurality of portions (202A, 202B) is in a proximity of a received edge (202E) and a plurality of received corners (200C). In case, the energy storage unit (100) is dropped off and the second side (202) is not subjected to forces that is perpendicular to the second side (202), the received edge (202E) and a plurality of received corners (200C) will be the first to experience the impact force. Thus, the plurality of portions (202A, 202B) become vulnerable to damage due to their proximity to the received edge (202E) and a plurality of received corners (200C). Further, the second side (202) is provided with less thickness making it more prone to damage due to the drop off. The dampening pad (300) receives the plurality of portions (202A, 202B) and ensures that the energy storage unit housing (200) does not get damaged during drop off. The dampening pad (300) ensures that whatever impact load acting on the energy storage unit housing (200) is first observed by the dampening pad (300). Thus, the dampening pad (300) protects the second side (202), especially the received edge (202E) and a plurality of received corners (200C), from the impacts of forces which are not perpendicular to the second side (202) energy storage unit housing (200).
[0032] The dampening pad (300) comprises a first surface (301, shown in Fig. 4), a one or more walls (302, shown in Fig. 4), and a one or more first receiving edges (300FE, shown in Fig. 4). The first surface (301) interfaces the second side (202). The one or more walls (302) is extended perpendicularly from the first surface (301). The one or more first receiving edges (300FE) is formed at a junction of the first surface (301) and one of the one or more walls (302). A profile of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge (202E) of the second side (202). The one or more first receiving edges (300FE) interfaces the at least one portion of the received edge (202E) of the second side (202).
[0033] The first surface (301) interfaces with the second side (202). At least one mounting opening (202o) is provided on the second side (202) of the energy storage unit housing (200). The first surface (301) is provided with at least one mounting hole (300H). The at least one mounting hole (300H) aligns with the at least one mounting opening (202o) to receive a mounting member (304). In a preferred embodiment, the mounting member (304) includes but not limited to a screw. The dampening pad (300) can also be mounted on to the second side (202) of the energy storage unit housing (200) by using adhesives.
[0034] A length of the mounting member (304) is smaller than a first thickness of the first surface (301). This configuration ensures that the mounting member (304) once fixed, does not protrude outside the dampening pad (300). This avoids any transfer of impact force due to metal-to-metal contact between the mounting member (304) and the second side (202) of the energy storage unit housing (200). Increased thickness of the the first surface (301) absorbs the impact without transferring it onto the mounting member (304).
[0035] The embodiments shown in Figure 4, Figure 5a and Figure 5b are taken together for discussion. Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the dampening pad (300) from a top side of the dampening pad (300). Figure 5a illustrates a side perspective view of the dampening pad (300) from a bottom side of the dampening pad (300). Figure 5b illustrates a side view of the dampening pad (300) from a top side of the dampening pad (300).
[0036] One of the embodiments of the invention relates to a dampening pad (300) for one or more sides (201, 202, shown in Fig. 1) of an energy storage unit housing (200, shown in Fig. 1). In a preferred embodiment, the dampening pad (300) is made up of a material including but not limited to silicon, rubber, latex and polymer. The dampening pad (300) comprises a first surface (301), one or more walls (302), and one or more first receiving edges (300FE). The first surface (301) interfaces the one or more sides (201, 202) of the energy storage unit housing (200). The one or more walls (302) extends from the first surface (301). The one or more first receiving edges (300FE) are formed at a junction of the first surface (301) and the one or more walls (302). A profile of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) conforms with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge (202E, shown in Fig. 2) of the one or more side (201, 202). The one or more first receiving edges (300FE) interfaces the at least one portion of the received edge (202E) of the one or more sides (201, 202).
[0037] Two of the one or more walls (302) are joined together to form one of a one or more second receiving edges (300SE). The one of the one or more second receiving edges (300SE) is joined with two of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) to form one of a plurality of receiving corners (300C). A profile of the plurality of receiving corners (300C) conforms with a profile of a plurality of received corners (200C, shown in Fig. 2) of the energy storage unit housing (200). An inner surface of the plurality of receiving corners (300C) interfaces an outer surface of the plurality of received corners (200C). therefore, the energy storage unit housing (200) can be easily guided into the dampening pad (300).
[0038] A plurality of ribs (303) is provided on an outer surface of the one or more walls (302). The plurality of ribs (303) is in a proximity of the plurality of receiving corners (300C). The plurality of receiving corners (300C) is the portion, where the diagonal length is highest. Therefore, the force factor on this portion is also high. The plurality of ribs (303) provides improved protection from the high impact forces, by reinforcing the plurality of receiving corners (300C).
[0039] The first surface (301) is provided with a first thickness. The one or more walls (302) is provided with a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than a second thickness. This configuration ensures variable thickness of the dampening pad (300) in order to accommodate the mounting member (304) without causing the mounting member (304) to protrude outside the dampening pad (300).
[0040] The one or more sides (201, 202) comprise a first side (201) and a second side (202). The second side (202) comprises a plurality of portions (202A, 202B, shown in Fig. 2). The dampening pad (300) supports the plurality of portions (202A, 202B).
[0041] The plurality of portions (202A, 202B) comprises a first portion (202A) and a second portion (202B). In one embodiment, the dampening pad (300) is split in to a first dampening portion (300A) for the first portion (202A) and a second dampening portion (300B) for the second portion (202B). In another embodiment, the second dampening portion (300B) and the first dampening portion (300A) are structurally integrated using at least one connecting member (305).
[0042] The dampening pad (300) ensures that the energy storage unit housing (200) does not get damaged during drop off. It ensures that whatever impact load acting on the energy storage unit housing (200) is first observed by the dampening pad (300). Thus, the dampening pad (300) protects the second side (202) having less thickness, especially the received edge (202E) and a plurality of received corners (200C), from the impacts of forces which are not perpendicular to the second side (202) energy storage unit housing (200).
[0043] The solution provided by the disclosed invention successfully reduces field complaints, and customer usage issues. Further, the dampening pad (300) prevents the battery housing and the lower portion of the battery with less thickness, from the cracks or any deformities in case of drop off. The energy storage unit (100) is protected by the dampening pad (300) against the mechanical abuse failures. The disclosed invention successfully mitigates any chances of short circuits, and damage to the IP (Ingress Protection) ration which could have made the battery unsuitable for any further usage. The proposed solution can be used for energy storage unit (100) positioning in vehicle and home charging unit as well.
[0044] Further, the dampening pad (300) ensures that the energy storage unit (100) is placed in stable position by dampening the effect of vibrations. The dampening pad (300) can be easily assembled on to the energy storage unit housing (200) thereby reducing the time required for assembling and manufacturing.
[0045] The present disclosed invention relates to an energy storage unit (100) and a dampening pad (300) for one or more sides (201, 202) thereof. Embodiments illustrated in the present invention can be worked with any energy storage unit (100) which is compatible for vehicular applications. Further, the disclosed invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0046] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100
200
200C
201
201C
202
202A
202B
202E
202o
300
300A
300B
300FE
300SE
300C
300H
301
302
303
304
305
Energy storage unit
Energy storage unit housing
Received corners
First side
A connector
Second side
First portion
Second portion
Received edge
Mounting opening
Dampening pad
First dampening portion
Second dampening portion
First receiving edges
Second receiving edges
Receiving corners
Mounting hole
A first surface
One or more walls
Plurality of ribs
Mounting member
Connecting member

, C , C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A dampening pad (300) for one or more sides (201, 202) of an energy storage unit housing (200), the dampening pad (300) comprising:
a first surface (301), the first surface (301) being configured to interface the one or more sides (201, 202) of the energy storage unit housing (200);
one or more walls (302), the one or more walls (302) extending from the first surface (301); and
one or more first receiving edges (300FE), the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) being formed at a junction of the first surface (301) and the one or more walls (302), a profile of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) conforming with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge (202E) of the one or more side (201, 202), the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) being configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge (202E) of the one or more sides (201, 202).
2. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein two of the one or more walls (302) being joined together to form one of a one or more second receiving edges (300SE), the one of the one or more second receiving edges (300SE) being joined with two of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) to form one of a plurality of receiving corners (300C).
3. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a profile of the plurality of receiving corners (300C) conforming with a profile of a plurality of received corners (200C) of the energy storage unit housing (200), an inner surface of the plurality of receiving corners (300C) being configured to interface an outer surface of the plurality of received corners (200C).
4. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of ribs (303) being provided on an outer surface of the one or more walls (302), the plurality of ribs (303) is in a proximity of the plurality of receiving corners (300C).
5. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface (301) being provided with a first thickness, the one or more walls (302) being provided with a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than a second thickness.

6. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sides (201, 202) comprise a first side (201) and a second side (202), the first surface (301) being configured to interface with the second side (202), the first surface (301) being provided with at least one mounting hole (300H), the at least one mounting hole (300H) being configured to align with at least one mounting opening (202o) to receive a mounting member (304), the at least one mounting opening (202o) being provided on the second side (202) of the energy storage unit housing (200).
7. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a length of the mounting member (304) is smaller than a first thickness of the first surface (301).
8. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sides (201, 202) comprise a first side (201) and a second side (202), the second side (202) comprise a plurality of portions (202A, 202B); and the dampening pad (300) being configured to support the plurality of portions (202A, 202B).
9. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of portions (202A, 202B) comprises a first portion (202A) and a second portion (202B); and the dampening pad (300) being configured to be split in to a first dampening portion (300A) for the first portion (202A) and a second dampening portion (300B) for the second portion (202B).
10. The dampening pad (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second dampening portion (300B) and the first dampening portion (300A) being structurally integrated using at least one connecting member (305).
11. An energy storage unit (100), the energy storage unit (100) comprising:
a plurality of energy cells, the plurality of energy cells being configured to store the energy;
an energy storage unit housing (200), the energy storage unit housing (200) being configured to house the plurality of energy cells, the energy storage unit housing (200) comprising:
a first side (201), the first side (201) is in a proximity of a connector (201C);
a second side (202), the second side (202) being opposite the first side (201), the second side (202) comprising a plurality of portions (202A, 202B), at least one of the plurality of portions (202A, 202B) being received by a dampening pad (300), the dampening pad (300) comprising:
a first surface (301), the first surface (301) being configured to interface the second side (202);
a one or more walls (302), the one or more walls (302) being extended perpendicularly from the first surface (301); and
a one or more first receiving edges (300FE), the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) being formed at a junction of the first surface (301) and one of the one or more walls (302), a profile of the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) conforming with a profile of at least one portion of a received edge (202E) of the second side (202), the one or more first receiving edges (300FE) being configured to interface the at least one portion of the received edge (202E) of the second side (202).

Dated this 19th day of January, 2024

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant