Abstract:
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
Abstract:
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
Abstract:
A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.
Abstract:
A weld-free, frameless battery design is provided. The design reduces the number of parts and the weight of the battery pack, simplifies the assembly operation, and keeps the battery pack reparable and remanufacturable with minimal effort and cost. The battery pack includes a stack of battery cells and cooling fins, and a removable restraint is placed around the stack. The positive and negative tabs of the battery cells comprise a pair of sub-tabs which are bent over the faces of the cell. One type of cell can have an extended portion on one of the positive and one the negative sub-tabs which are on opposite faces of the cell. The sub-tabs are used to make the necessary series and parallel connections.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable tool module for an end-effector includes an adjustable-height housing attached to a swing arm. The adjustable-height housing includes a valve spool and a flow path terminating at a workpiece interface tool. The valve spool is configured to interrupt the flow path when the adjustable-height housing is in a first position. The valve spool is configured to open the flow path when the adjustable-height housing moves away from the first position.
Abstract:
A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a base and a modular stanchion. The modular stanchion is magnetically attachable to the base along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the base. The modular stanchion includes a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a pallet base and at least one track formed in the pallet base. A plurality of modular stanchions are supported on the pallet base and slidably engage the at least one track to selectively position the modular stanchions along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the pallet base. The modular stanchions each include a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.
Abstract:
A conduit system for conducting activation power to a tool module of a reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm includes a fixed conduit portion conforming to a first portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a master boom and a first portion of a rotatable guide rail. The conduit system includes a translatable conduit portion translatably connected to a second portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a second lateral portion of the rotatable guide rail and a branch. The conduit system includes a rotatable portion connected between an end of the translatable conduit portion and a workpiece interface tool of the tool module.