Patent Publication Number: US-10784486-B2

Title: Uniform current density tapered busbar

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to energy storage devices, in particular, toward batteries and battery modules for electric vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, transportation methods have changed substantially. This change is due in part to a concern over the limited availability of natural resources, a proliferation in personal technology, and a societal shift to adopt more environmentally friendly transportation solutions. These considerations have encouraged the development of a number of new flexible-fuel vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. 
     Vehicles employing at least one electric motor and power system store electrical energy in a number of on board energy storage devices. These vehicle energy storage devices are generally arranged in the form of electrically interconnected individual battery modules containing a number of individual battery cells. The battery modules are generally connected to an electrical control system to provide a desired available voltage, ampere-hour, and/or other electrical characteristics to a vehicle. In some cases, one or more of the battery modules in a vehicle can be connected to a battery management system that is configured to monitor the voltage sensed from each cell in the battery module and/or the entire battery. 
     Electric vehicles are dependent on the integrity and reliability of the on board electrical energy power supply and energy storage devices. Typical vehicle energy storage devices include a battery that is composed of a number of battery modules and each of these battery modules may include tens, if not hundreds, of battery cells. As can be appreciated, the chance of failure in a system is proportionate to the number of components, interconnections, and connection modes, etc., in the energy storage devices of a vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic perspective view of an electrical energy storage system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a battery module in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of the battery module of  FIG. 2A  with an upper shield removed; 
         FIG. 2C  shows a perspective exploded view of the battery module of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic block diagram of the battery management system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of the joined housing and cells forming the integrated battery cell structural support for the battery module in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module integrated battery cell structural support of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a detail broken section plan view of the battery cells and structural support of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 4D  shows a schematic detail broken section plan view of the spacing for the battery cells and structural support shown in  FIG. 4C ; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a schematic representation of a force distribution framework of the battery module in a first state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a schematic representation of a force distribution framework of the battery module in a second state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a battery cell retaining form and/or gasket in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a battery cell retaining form and/or gasket in a first assembly state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a battery cell retaining form and/or gasket in a second assembly state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7C  shows a battery cell retaining form and/or gasket in a third assembly state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of a dielectric mount sleeve disposed between battery cells in a battery module in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a detail elevation section view of the dielectric mount sleeve of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  shows a detail broken plan view of the battery cell location frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9B  shows a detail broken section elevation view of the battery cell location frame of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of a battery module and high voltage busbars in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10B  shows a detail perspective view of the battery module and high voltage tapered busbars of  FIG. 10A ; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a graphical representation of a uniform current density for a tapered busbar of a battery module superimposed on a graph measuring the gradually increasing cross-sectional area for the tapered busbar along a length of the tapered busbar in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with electrical energy storage devices, and in some embodiments the construction, structure, and arrangement of components making up a battery module for an electric vehicle drive system. 
     An electrical energy storage device for a vehicle may include at least one battery including a number of battery modules electrically interconnected with one another to provide electromotive force for the electrical drive system of a vehicle to operate. Each battery module in the at least one battery can include any number of battery cells contained and/or arranged within a battery module housing. Conventional battery module housings may include a base and a cover which are attached at a periphery of the battery module via one or more fasteners. Because these conventional housings are designed to maximize the number of battery cells contained therein, all of the fasteners and attachments are moved to an outer periphery of the housing, and the cover and base are generally made from thick plastic or metal to provide structural rigidity and integrity. As can be appreciated, these conventional housings (e.g., covers, bases, etc.) can be large, heavy, and costly. Furthermore, most battery modules include external safety structures to provide impact resistance. 
     Typically, the battery is also one of the largest, heaviest, and most expensive single components of an electric vehicle. As can be appreciated, any reduction in size and/or weight can have significant cost savings. The present disclosure describes a unified battery module including an integrated battery cell structural support system made up of structural foam, adhesive, and interconnecting carrier halves. In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes a method of forming a lightweight unified battery module including attaching separate battery module carrier portions together (via an adhesive flange joint) and filling a cavity inside the portions with a structural foam. 
     In one embodiment, the unified battery module may include a lower carrier portion and an upper carrier portion configured to surround one or more battery cells packed in a specific arrangement. The carrier portions may be temporarily joined together at a contacting flange via an adhesive and then permanently interconnected to one another via a structural foam, or other structural adhesive, injected between the battery cells and an inside of the adhesively-joined carrier portions. 
     Among other things, the unified battery module provides impact resistance by dissipating an impact across a structure (e.g., made up of solidified, or cured, structural foam etc.) encompassing, or at least partially surrounding, the battery cells inside the battery module. In some cases, the battery cells may behave as connection nodes, or bridges, to which the structural foam adheres and forms a protective internal structure for the battery module. The structure may be configured to flexibly move in response to an applied force or impact. This structural foam may act as a structural adhesive, thermal insulator, and even a dielectric barrier within the module. In some embodiments, the base of the module may be bonded to a cooling, or cold, plate using a structural adhesive that provides a thermal conductor (e.g., thermal interface material), and a di-electric barrier between the elements. 
     The upper and lower carrier portions of the battery module may be configured as thin dielectric (e.g., plastic, composite, or other electrically nonconductive or insulative material, etc.) components that house the battery cells and the structural foam. When joined together and filled with the structural foam, the carrier portions and the foam provide a lightweight battery module configured to absorb shock, impact, compression, and/or any other destructive force. 
     Among other things, the present disclosure describes manufacturing methods, construction, and an arrangement of components that fuse together forming a battery module. At least one benefit of the embodiments described herein is observed in the event of a crash scenario. For example, by mechanically coupling the cells together (e.g., via the structural adhesive) in the arrangement described, the load, force, or impact energy from a crash is distributed across a larger body rather than focused on a single battery cell or small group of battery cells. As can be appreciated, this distribution of forces provides a safer battery module assembly and battery for a vehicle since it is less likely that a single cell will be damaged to the extent that it would cause a thermal event or a non-passive failure in the energy storage device of the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, during the assembly of a battery module, for instance, structural and/or adhesive foam may be injected from one or more sides of the battery module to provide rigidity, strength, insulation, and exact tolerance “no slop” fits between cells. At least one advantage to side-filling is that more of the structural and/or adhesive foam, while in a liquid state, is allowed to enter the battery module cavity at a faster rate (e.g., by providing an increased open space between the curved bodies of rows of battery cells, rather than via a space between only four adjacent battery cells). However, filling the battery module with foam from the side without any control structure could allow foam to cover the positive terminal, leak through openings, and otherwise disperse throughout the battery module in an uneven manner. Among other things, the present disclosure provides a control structure configured to contain foam in a particular volume of the battery module and protect portions of the battery cells and module from uncontrolled filling or leakage. 
     In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a form having an array of die-cut apertures to accommodate the battery cells in the battery module. Each of the die-cut apertures may be configured to tightly fit around a battery cell (e.g., the apertures may be undersized or have a smaller diameter than a diameter of the battery cell—interference fit, be matched to the size of the battery cell diameter, and/or include a slip fit, etc.). This tight fit may prevent foam injected into the housing from extending beyond a designed level. In one embodiment, as the foam solidifies or hardens and expands, the form may be moved along an axis of the battery module a known amount. 
     The form may additionally contact one or more sides of the housing in a similar interference, tight, or slip fit (as described in conjunction with the apertures) providing a gasket that prevents material from pouring out of the connectors or other portions of the module. In some embodiments, the form may be made from a relatively thin amount of material (e.g., closed-cell foam, plastic, silicone, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the form may be used to hold the battery cells in alignment with one another prior to filling with structural and/or adhesive foam and then may remain in place after foam has been injected. 
     The present disclosure describes a number of dielectric bolt compression sleeve mounts that interconnect a cover to a base of a battery module housing inside a periphery of the battery module and an area including battery cells. Among other things, moving the attachment features inside the battery cell array can provide a more rigid structure, allow for lighter materials (e.g., thinner cross-sections, composites, polymers, etc.) to be used, and allow a densely-packed battery comprising a number of battery modules in intimate or near-intimate contact with one another. 
     In some embodiments, the battery module may be held together via a number of dielectric compression sleeve mounts, or standoffs. Each sleeve mount may be configured as a substantially cylindrical (or other shaped) tube extending from a top of the battery module to a bottom of the battery module. In one embodiment, the sleeve mount may provide a fastener contact load surface at the top of the battery module, a compression region (e.g., along the length of the sleeve), and a mount frame contact load surface at the bottom of the battery module. The sleeve mount may be sized to provide a clamp height for the battery module such that when a fastener is inserted through the sleeve and tightened against the mount frame, a clamping force is provided holding the cover to the base of the housing, but any additional compressive force imparted by the fastener is taken up by the sleeve (preventing displacement of the cover below a predetermined height). 
     The sleeves may be made from Garolite G10, fiberglass, ceramic coated materials, fiberglass-epoxy laminates, etc. In one embodiment, one or more of the sleeves may be used as an assembly interface configured to interconnect with assembly equipment. For example, the sleeves may be configured to receive quick-release pins that when inserted into the sleeve compresses a ball-detent into the shaft of the pin and releases from a compressed position when the ball-detent passes through the sleeve (e.g., beyond the mount frame contact load surface). In some cases, the quick-release pins may be a part of a robot end-effector, pick-and-place, or other tool, and can be used to move or manipulate the battery module during assembly. Being disposed on the inside of the battery module periphery, the sleeves allow for closer packaging and automated assembly operations to be performed. 
     Not only does the bolt sleeve connect the upper and lower portions of the battery module housing, but the sleeves may act as a compression limiter, and create a dielectric barrier between the bolt and the live cell casings. The sleeves can also serve as a manufacturing aid, helping align each battery cell when building a battery module. In some embodiments, the sleeves may function as a structural anchor when structural foam and/or adhesive is added (the sleeve and plastic may be weak (e.g., in non-compression scenarios, etc.) until a major portion of the surface area of the sleeve encompassed by a filler material (e.g., the structural adhesive, etc.) creating a reinforced bar in the assembly of components. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a battery module including a staggered battery cell internal array with two-dimensional inline terminal edges. The battery cells in a module may be staggered in an internal array, such that a first row of cells in a line are spaced apart, or offset, in a first direction from an immediately adjacent second row of cells in a line, and wherein a first cell in the second row of cells is offset from a first cell in the first row of cells in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In some cases, at least two adjacent rows in the module may include cells that are offset from one another but aligned in one direction (e.g., the second direction). Among other things, this arrangement may provide an engineered space between a group of four adjacent battery cells for fasteners, reinforcement structure, structural foam insert holes, thermocouples, and/or other objects. This design of combining battery cell arrangements creates a cross pack that saves space by moving conventional external components to an inside area of the battery module rather than taking up an increased amount of space external to the inside area. Moreover, the proposed arrangement maximizes the density and number of battery cells inside a battery module while moving fasteners and other features to an outermost point (inside battery module periphery) in between two rows of battery cells making up the terminal edges of the module. Contrary to conventional battery cell packing, where a battery cell is removed for fasteners, the battery cell spacing is increased to make room for fasteners, or mounting features are pushed to an outside of the battery module, maintaining a homogeneous packing structure, the present disclosure provides a densely packed array of “staggered” internal rows and outermost rows arranged inline to receive battery module and/or cover mounting features (e.g., fasteners, etc.). 
     As can be appreciated, because the battery is one of the largest, heaviest, and most expensive single components of an electric vehicle, any reduction in size and/or weight can have significant cost savings. In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes a lightweight battery cell location frame that is retained in the housing of a battery module. The battery cell location frame may be configured to locate and position each of the battery cells in the battery module prior to the insertion of a structural material and remain in place after assembly. The battery cell location frame may be a part of, or integral to, the housing and/or cover. In one embodiment, the battery cell location frame. In one embodiment, the frame may include a number of standoffs (e.g., three, six, etc.) surrounding a receptacle, or opening, that is configured to receive a battery cell. Each standoff may be joined by a bridge having a clearance volume disposed thereunder. The opening may be sized (e.g., oversized, or sized larger than the battery cell diameter, etc.) to allow the battery cell to be inserted therein from either side of the frame. In some cases, the receptacle may be oversized to receive a battery cell and accommodate for tolerance differences, thermal expansion, and/or receive a portion of the structural material. The standoffs may provide a number of structural material flow paths around a portion of the negative terminal end of the battery cell such that structural material injected into the battery module and flowing between battery cells may disperse under, through, and/or between these flow paths. In some embodiments, one or more of the standoffs may include a through hole for aeration of adhesive, such that an inserted frame may force adhesive into and through at least a portion of the through hole. This small hole disposed in between battery cells passes completely through the plastic. Among other things, the small hole provides a potential passage for air to escape (e.g., as air bubbles under the battery cells are undesirable) and depending on the fill height, structural material can flow up the hole and over the top surface of the standoff creating a structural “rivet” feature once cured. In one embodiment, a thermal adhesive or structural foam can be injected into the battery module (at a bottom, or lower, portion) and as the battery cells are seated in contact with glass (or dielectric) beads/spheres, the adhesive/foam may be forced into an empty volume of the flow path (under the bridges). Among other things, this volume may allow the material to dissipate or move from under each battery cell into the volume and allow the battery cells to move in contact with the glass beads/spheres providing an exact height for each cell in the module. In addition, the battery cell location frame also sets and maintains a desired spacing between the battery cells in the battery module. Moreover, the battery cell location frame provides an optimum distance between battery cells to allow structural foam (e.g., dielectric structural foam, etc.) to flow therebetween. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes a tapered busbar increasing in size from a first cross-sectional area at a first connection point to a larger cross-sectional area at a second and furthest connection point. Among other things, the tapered shape of the busbar may accommodate for increased energy/charge transfer, current flow, reduce overall resistance, and/or maintain a uniform current density along a length of the busbar. For instance, in a battery module arrangement where all of the cells in a row are connected to one another in series and then attached to the tapered busbar in sequential parallel rows, the busbar at the last parallel row is carrying the entire current of the module. The tapered busbar described in the present disclosure provides a busbar that is optimally sized for a specific current density defined at each position along its length. This tapered shape saves weight, material, and costs. In a system where every unnecessary additional gram negatively affects electric vehicle energy consumption and travel costs, the savings in weight for each module (e.g., two high voltage busbars per module) gained by the present disclosure offers a significant benefit to the overall efficiency of an electric vehicle. In addition, the attachment of the tapered busbar to the upper carrier makes the tapered busbar a structural member. For instance, the tapered busbar may be fastened to the upper carrier on a first side of the battery module via a number of mount points disposed along a length of the busbar and the end of the tapered busbar is attached to an orthogonal second side of the lower carrier providing a cantilevered reinforcement rib for the battery module (e.g., in an anatomy comparison, the busbar may act similarly to a bone and the upper carrier shell may be the skin). 
     In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a reduced-size redundant connection to a high voltage busbar of a battery module via multiple connection studs. Conventional electric vehicle battery interconnections, or busbars, may be arranged as large metal strips configured to generally interconnect battery cells in a linear fashion. These conventional interconnections can be large, heavy, and costly. Moreover, conventional battery modules typically include a single positive and negative interconnection terminal. These terminals can be the source of a single point of failure in an electrically interconnected system. For instance, if the interconnection to the positive and/or negative terminal is lost, the system may not function properly. Rather than employing a single, large stud for connection to a particular (e.g., positive/negative) terminal, the present disclosure describes two or more connection studs per terminal, each having a reduced overall size and/or cross-sectional area. The reduced size of each stud allows the interconnection to make use of multiple connectors also having a reduced size. Among other things, this design provides redundancy in connection to the battery module and reduces the overall size of components connecting to the battery module. The multiple studs (e.g., two or more) of the present disclosure may provide a compact, redundant electrical interconnection to a critical area of the battery module and vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple connection studs act as a 2-way to 4-way for locating the busbars, the studs act as locating features when building the module (e.g., connecting the upper and lower carrier), and the theoretical clamp loading to reduce electrical losses is greater with two small studs than one large one stud, especially when maintaining a slim profile battery module. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic perspective view of an electrical energy storage system, or battery  104  comprising a number of electrical energy storage devices, or battery modules,  108  is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the battery  104  may be configured to provide the electromotive force needed for the electrical drive system of a vehicle  100  to operate. Although the present disclosure recites batteries  104 , battery modules  108 , and/or battery cells as examples of electrical energy storage units, embodiments of the disclosure should not be so limited. For example, the battery cells  108 , and/or any other energy storage device disclosed herein, may be any electrical energy storage cell including, but in no way limited to, battery cells, capacitors, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors, etc., and/or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the battery modules  108  may be electrically interconnected via at least one battery busbar including high voltage positive and negative terminals connected to an electrical system of the vehicle  100 . The battery  104  may be configured as any number of battery modules  108  that are capable of being electrically connected together. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  show various perspective views of a battery module  108  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery module  108  may comprise an upper shield  204 , a plurality of battery cells  208 , a housing or carrier  212  configured to contain the battery cells  208 , battery cell interconnects  216 , first and second battery module busbars  220 A,  220 B, a cooling plate  224 , and one or more mount sleeves  228 . In some embodiments, the battery module  108  may include a battery management system  232  and sensing system  236 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a battery module  108  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery module  108  shown in  FIG. 2A  includes an upper shield  204  configured to substantially cover the battery cell interconnects  216 , battery cells  208 , and other electrical connections (e.g., first and second battery module busbars  220 A,  220 B, etc.). In some embodiments, the upper shield  204  may correspond to a drip shield. In any event, the upper shield  204  may be made from molded, formed, or otherwise shaped plastic, dielectric, or nonconductive material. In one embodiment, the battery management system (BMS)  232  electronics (e.g., printed circuit board, chips, etc.) may be mounted to an exterior or interior surface of the upper shield  204 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the BMS  232  and corresponding electronics are mounted to an exterior surface (e.g., a surface separate and spaced apart from the battery cells  208  and battery cell interconnects  216 , etc.). 
       FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of the battery module  108  of  FIG. 2A  with the upper shield  204 , BMS  232 , and other electronics removed for the sake of clarity. As shown in  FIG. 2B , the first and second battery module busbars  220 A,  220 B extend from a high voltage connection end, including two connection standoffs per busbar  220 A,  220 B, along the length of the battery module  108  to the opposite end of the battery module  108 . 
     In  FIG. 2C , the housing  212  is shown having a lower housing  212 A and an upper housing, or cover,  212 B. In some embodiments, the lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B may be interconnected with one another to form the complete housing  212 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the lower housing  212 A and/or the cover  212 B may be configured to at least partially contain a number of battery cells  208 . For instance, both the lower housing  212 A and the cover  212 B include a number of surfaces and walls defining battery cell  208  containment cavities including volumes for receiving the battery cells  208 . Both the lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B may include a number of receptacles sized to receive and arrange each of the battery cells  208  relative to one another. In one embodiment, the lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B may include receptacles, or apertures, configured to receive one or more fasteners and mount sleeves  228 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a schematic block diagram of the BMS  232  interconnected with the battery module  108  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, each battery module  108  of a battery  104  may include a corresponding unique BMS  232 . In other embodiments, the multi-module battery  104  comprising a number of battery modules  108  may be monitored and/or controlled by a single multi-module BMS. 
     The BMS  232  may include a bus  306  including a number of terminals configured to interconnect with electrical lines  302  interconnected with the battery cells  208  of the battery module  108 . In some embodiments, the interconnection between the battery module  108  and the BMS  232  may be via a physical electrical connector disposed on the battery module  108 , the BMS  232 , and/or both the battery module  108  and the BMS  232 . The BMS  232  may be configured to monitor and/or control a state of charge associated with each battery cell  208 A-N in the battery module  108 . In some embodiments, the BMS  232  may include a microcontroller unit (MCU)  304 , including one or more processors, interconnected with a memory  308  via at least one connection, or communications bus  310 . The memory  308  may be one or more disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as a random access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM), which can be programmable, flash-updateable and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the BMS  232  may include a communications module  312 , one or more sensors  316 A-N, and/or other components  324  interconnected with the communication bus  310 , charger (not shown), and/or other systems in an electric power distribution system (not shown). The communications module  312  may include a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infra-red communication device, etc. and may permit data to be exchanged with a network and/or any other charger or processor in the electric power distribution system as described. 
     In any event, pairs of electrical interconnections may provide voltages from the battery module  108  to the MCU  304  of the BMS  232  and these voltages may be used to determine a state (e.g., voltage, current, state of charge, etc.) associated with a particular battery cell  208 A-N in the battery module  108 . 
     Examples of the processors as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 620 and 615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple® A7 processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessors, Samsung® Exynos® series, the Intel® Core™ family of processors, the Intel® Xeon® family of processors, the Intel® Atom™ family of processors, the Intel Itanium® family of processors, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22 nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22 nm Ivy Bridge, the AMD® FX™ family of processors, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300, and FX-8350 32 nm Vishera, AMD® Kaveri processors, Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000™ automotive infotainment processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP™ automotive-grade mobile processors, ARM® Cortex™ processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARIVI926EJS™ processors, Infineon TriCore™ processors, other industry-equivalent processors, and may perform computational functions using any known or future-developed standard, instruction set, libraries, and/or architecture. 
     In one embodiment, the sensors  316 A-N may include one or more temperature sensors, thermocouples, pressure sensors, etc. The sensors  316 A-N may be disposed between, adjacent to, spaced apart from, and/or in contact with, one or more of the battery cells  208 A-N. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a multiple-zone thermocouple  320  is disposed between adjacent battery cells  208 A,  208 B in the battery module  108 . The multiple-zone thermocouple  320  may include a housing having a first temperature sensing region disposed adjacent to a lower portion (e.g., bottom) of the battery cells  208  and a second temperature sensing region disposed adjacent to an upper portion (e.g., top) of the battery cells  208 . The first temperature sensing region of the multiple-zone thermocouple  320  may correspond to a junction where two dissimilar metals of the thermocouple  320  are joined together and the other ends of the two dissimilar metals are attached to the BMS  232 , and more specifically, the sensor (e.g., sensors  316 A-N) configured to measure a voltage change at the junction when temperature changes. Similarly, the second temperature sensing region of the multiple-zone thermocouple  320  may correspond to a junction where a different set of two dissimilar metals of the thermocouple  320  are joined together and the other ends of the different set of two dissimilar metals are attached to the BMS  232 , and more specifically, the sensor (e.g., sensors  316 A-N) configured to measure a voltage change at the junction when temperature changes. This multiple-zone thermocouple  320  may allow the BMS  232  to determine, via the corresponding one or more sensors  316 A-N, a temperature at the bottom and the top of groups of battery cells  208  using a single thermocouple housing or inserted device. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show various perspective views of the integrated battery cell structural support  400  for the battery module  108 . The integrated battery cell structural support  400  may at least comprise the lower housing  212 A, the battery cells  208 , the cover  212 , and a structural adhesive  404  disposed between adjacent battery cells  208  as well as between the battery cells  208  and the lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B. During assembly, the structural adhesive  404  may be configured to flow into the spaces between spaced-apart adjacent battery cells  208  and other areas around the battery cells  208  and inside the housing  212 . Once cured, or hardened, the structural adhesive  404  may adhere to and connect the battery cells  208  forming a unified structure configured to resist forces and absorb impact or shock through a network of connected nodes in the battery module  108 . Additionally or alternatively, the structural adhesive  404  may adhere to and connect the battery cells  208  to the various portions of the housing  212  (e.g., lower housing  212 A, cover  212 B, etc.) and/or other components of the battery module  108  (e.g., the one or more mount sleeves  228 , battery cell retaining form, and/or gasket,  218 , etc.). The structural adhesive  404  may correspond to the structural foam that acts as a structural adhesive, thermal insulator, and even a dielectric barrier within the battery module  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the integrated battery cell structural support  400  may include a battery cell retaining form  218 . The battery cell retaining form  218  may be configured as a die cut or formed block of material (e.g., foam, lightweight plastic, etc.) including a number of receptacles formed therethrough. These receptacles may be sized to receive at least a portion of the array of battery cells  208  and the form  218  may be configured to act as a gasket (e.g., preventing the structural adhesive  404  from expanding through the array of receptacles as the structural adhesive cures in the housing  212 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , a perspective view of the joined housing  212  and battery cells  208  forming the integrated battery cell structural support  400  for the battery module  108  is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. When joined together, the housing  212 , the battery cells  208 , and the structural adhesive  404  form a unified structural force distribution system allowing the entire system of interconnected elements to move upon receiving a force or impact. 
       FIG. 4B  shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module integrated battery cell structural support  400  of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the battery cell retaining form  218  may be disposed at, or adjacent to, an upper portion of the battery cells  208 . Among other things, this arrangement of the battery cell retaining form  218  provides a seal, or gasket, between the structural adhesive  404  and the battery cell electrical interconnections  216  (e.g., shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ), preventing uncured and/or cured structural adhesive  404  from reaching these sensitive electrical areas. Although shown in  FIG. 4B  as an element surrounding the battery cells  208 , it should be appreciated that the structural adhesive  404  may be inserted into the spaces surrounding the battery cells  208  while inside the housing  212  in an assembled, or connected, state. The structural adhesive  404  may be inserted or deposited into these spaces while in a fluid, or semi-fluid state, and when cured, the structural adhesive  404  may mechanically connect the elements that are in contact with the structural adhesive  404  (e.g., the battery cells  208 , lower housing  212 A, the cover  212 B, and any other elements, e.g., optionally the battery cell retaining form  218 , etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the lower housing  212 A and the cover  212 B may be attached together, at least temporarily, via a flanged connection  408 A,  408 B. For instance, the lower housing  212 A may include a flange, or flanged surface,  408 A that mates with a mating flanged surface of the cover  212 B (e.g., via an adhesive, fastener, connection, tab-and-slot, clip, or other connective interface, etc.). The flanged surface  408 A may follow at least a portion of the periphery of the lower housing  212 A. The flanged surface  408 A may be offset from and substantially parallel to a base, or planar surface, of the lower housing  212 A. In one embodiment, the flanged surface  408 A may extend outwardly from the walls of the lower housing  212 A. The cover  212 B may include a similar mating flange, or mating flanged surface,  408 B that follows at least a portion of the periphery of the cover  212 B and/or the lower  212 A. The mating flanged surface  408 B of the cover  212 B may be offset from and substantially parallel to a planar surface, of the cover  212 B. In one embodiment, the mating flanged surface  408 B may extend outwardly from the walls of the cover  212 B. 
     It is an aspect of the present disclosure that the flanged surface  408 A and/or the mating flanged surface  408 B may include an adhesive layer  406  deposited thereon. The adhesive layer  406  may correspond to an adhesive material, double-sided adhesive tape, and/or the like. In any event, the adhesive layer  406  may attach the lower housing  212 A to the cover  212 B, and more specifically, connect the flanged surface  408 A to the mating flanged surface  408 B. In one embodiment, the flanged surface  408 A and/or the mating flanged surface  408 B may include at least one connecting element  410  (e.g., fastener, standoff, post, tab-and-slot, clip, or other connective interface, etc.) that is configured to mate, or interconnect, with a corresponding feature on the other of the flanged surface  408 A and/or the mating flanged surface  408 B. 
       FIG. 4C  shows a detail broken section plan view of the battery cells  208  and structural adhesive  404  of the battery module  108  shown in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments, the section view of  FIG. 4C  may be taken through an approximate planar center of the array of battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the battery cells  208  are arranged in a number of rows and columns forming a two-dimensional cell distribution pattern. The rows are disposed along the Y-axis, referenced by the coordinate system  402  shown, where each row includes a linear array of battery cells  208  extending along the X-axis in the battery module  108 . In some embodiments, the battery cells  208  may include a periphery, casing diameter, or outer surface that is at least partially surrounded by the structural adhesive  404 , such that no two battery cells  208  are in contact with one another at their peripheries (e.g., separated and/or insulated by the structural adhesive  404 ). This spacing and arrangement of the cells  208  in the cell distribution pattern is described and shown in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 4D and 9A . 
     In some embodiments, the cell distribution pattern may include combinations of battery cell  208  arrangements, or arrays, which form the entire array of battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . By way of example, the battery module  108  may include edge arrays  412 , comprising pairs of inline battery cells  208  running along the X-axis, and an internal or center array  416  that includes a plurality of adjacent staggered rows of battery cells  208 . In some embodiments, the edge arrays  412  may be disposed at opposing edges of the battery module  108 . The edge arrays  412  may provide an arrangement of battery cells  208  in a pattern where the battery cells  208  of the first row are spaced apart from one another along the X-axis, and where the battery cells  208  of the second row are similarly, if not identically, spaced apart from one another along the X-axis. In one embodiment, the battery cells  208  in the edge array  412  may be equispaced along the X-axis. Each of the battery cells  208  in the first row may be arranged offset and inline, along the Y-axis, with each of the battery cells  208  in the second row of the edge array  412 . Among other things, this orthogonal arrangement of battery cells  208  in the edge array  412  can provide an open volume between sets of four immediately adjacent cells  208 . The open volume may be capable of receiving a fastener, a fastening sleeve, structural adhesive  404 , and/or a standoff internal to the entire array of battery cells  208  of the battery module  108 . 
     The internal array  416  may include a number of staggered rows of battery cells  208  that are disposed between the edge arrays  412  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4A ). While  FIG. 4C  shows a representative broken section view of an area of the battery cells  208  and structural adhesive  404 , it should be appreciated that the representative cell distribution pattern may be repeated, mirrored, and/or symmetrical about one or more planes of the battery module  108 . For example, the battery module  108  may include an edge array  412  disposed at opposing edges of the battery module  108  with the internal array  416  disposed in the center of the battery module  108  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4A ). In one embodiment, the opposing edges may be associated with terminal edges of the battery module  108 . For instance, a first terminal edge may correspond to the positive terminal edge for the battery module  108  and the opposing second terminal edge may correspond to the negative terminal edge for the battery module  108 . Each terminal edge may include a respective busbar (e.g., first battery module busbar  220 A and second battery module busbar  220 B) configured to electrically interconnect with the positive and/or negative terminals of the array of battery cells  208 . 
       FIG. 4D  shows a schematic detail broken section plan view of the cell distribution pattern and/or the spacing for the battery cells  208  and structural support  404  shown in  FIG. 4C . As described in conjunction with  FIG. 4C , the cell distribution pattern includes an edge array  412  and an internal or center array  416 . The edge array  412  includes a first row  412 A of battery cell positions that are spaced apart from one another by a horizontal distance, XC 1 , along the X-axis, and a second row  412 B of battery cell positions that are spaced apart from one another by the same distance, XC 1 , along the X-axis. As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , the second row  412 B of battery cell positions in the edge array  412  are perpendicularly offset from the first row  412 A of battery cell positions in the Y-axis by a vertical distance, YC 1 . The battery cell positions in the edge array  412  may be arranged as orthogonal sets of immediately adjacent battery cell positions. In some embodiments, the X-axis battery cell positions and coordinates for the first row  412 A may match the X-axis battery cell positions and coordinates for the second row  412 B. This pattern provides an area  420 , or open volume, between immediately adjacent sets of battery cell positions in the first and second rows  412 A,  412 B (e.g., battery cell positions  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 ). As provided above, the area  420  may be sized to receive a fastener, a fastening sleeve, structural adhesive  404 , and/or a standoff internal to the entire array of battery cell positions making up the cell distribution pattern. 
     In some embodiments, the cell distribution pattern may include an internal array  416  comprising a number of rows  416 A-C of battery cell positions that are staggered relative to one another. In one embodiment, the first staggered row  416 A of the internal array  416  may be offset from the second row  412 B of the edge array  412  by a vertical distance, YC 2  (e.g., along the Y-axis, measured from the center of each position). As shown in  FIG. 4D , the vertical distance, YC 2 , dimension between staggered rows  416 A-C and the second row  412 B immediately adjacent to the first staggered row  416 A, is less than the vertical distance, YC 1 , dimension between battery cell positions in the edge arrays  412 . Additionally, the battery cell positions of the first staggered row  416 A may be offset in the X-axis from the battery cell positions in the edge array  412 . In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 4D , battery cell position  5  (e.g., the first battery cell position in the first staggered row  416 A of the internal array  416 ) may be offset from battery cell position  3  (e.g., the first battery cell position in the second row  412 B of the edge array  412 ) by a horizontal distance, XC 2  (e.g., along the X-axis, measured from the center of each position). In one embodiment, the horizontal distance, XC 2 , may correspond to half of the horizontal distance, XC 1  (e.g., XC 1  divided by two). The battery cell positions in each row  412 A,  412 B,  416 A-C may be separated by the center-to-center horizontal distance, XC 1 . For instance, the distance between battery cell positions  5  and  6  may be equal to horizontal distance, XC 1 . As can be appreciated, the distance between battery cell positions  7  and  8 , as well as  9  and  10 , may also be equal to the horizontal distance, XC 1 . In any event, the battery cell positions of the second staggered row  416 B of the internal array  416  may be offset in the X-axis from the battery cell positions of the first staggered row  416 A of the internal array  416 . In some embodiments, the battery cell positions of the second staggered row  416 B of the internal array  416  may be inline (e.g., along the Y-axis) with at least some of the battery cell positions in the edge array  412 . This staggered arrangement of battery cell positions in the internal array  416  provides a densely packed array of battery cells  208  in the battery module, while allowing spaces between the battery cells  208  in the two-dimensional inline edge arrays  412  for mounting hardware, sensors, structural adhesive  404 , and/or the like, keeping the overall battery module  108  size to an optimized, condensed, and compact dimension. 
     As provided above, the vertical distance, YC 1 , dimension between battery cell positions in the first and second rows  412 A,  412 B in the edge array  412  may be measured from the center of battery cell position  1  (e.g., the first battery cell in the first row  412 A) to the center of battery cell position  2  (e.g., the first battery cell in the second row  412 B), along the Y-axis. This dimension, YC 1  may correspond to the dimension of the outer periphery of the battery cell  208  plus a non-zero spacing dimension. The non-zero spacing dimension may set the distance between outer portions of immediately adjacent battery cells  208  at their closest position in the battery cell distribution pattern, such that no battery cells  208  are allowed to contact one another at their peripheries. By way of example, where the battery cells  208  have cylindrical casings, the dimension YC 1  may be equal to two times the radius of each cylindrical battery cell  208  plus the non-zero spacing dimension (e.g., 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm, etc., combinations thereof, and/or ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, the horizontal distance, XC 1 , dimension may be similar, if not identical, to the vertical distance, YC 1 , dimension, except that the dimension is set along the X-axis. 
     The vertical distance, YC 2 , dimension between staggered rows may be less than the dimension of the outer periphery of the battery cell. Continuing the example above, where the battery cells  208  have cylindrical casings, the dimension YC 2  may be equal to less than two times the radius of each cylindrical battery cell  208 . In some embodiments, the spacing of the battery cell positions in the internal array  416  may provide an area  424 , or open volume, between immediately adjacent sets of battery cell positions in the first staggered row  416 A and the second row  412 B and/or between immediately adjacent sets of battery cell positions in the staggered rows  416 A-C. For instance, the area  424  may be disposed between sets of three adjacent battery cell positions in staggered rows (e.g., battery cell positions  3 ,  5 , and  6 , and/or battery cell positions  3 ,  4 , and  6 , and/or battery cell positions  5 ,  6 , and  7 , and/or battery cell positions  6 ,  7 , and  8 , etc.). As provided above, the area  424  may be sized to receive structural adhesive  404  and physically separate each battery cell  208  in the array of battery cells  208  for the battery module  108 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show schematic representations of a force distribution framework associated with the unified battery module  108  with integrated battery cell structural support at different impact states  500 A,  500 B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The force distribution framework shows a number of nodes  504 A,  504 B (e.g., representing battery cells  208  and mount sleeves  228 , respectively, in the battery module  108 , etc.) connected to one another via a number of connectors  508  (e.g., representing the structural adhesive  404 ). Although represented as a simplified number of nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F and connectors  508  in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , it should be appreciated that additional nodes may correspond to the edges and surfaces of the housing  212 , the battery cell retaining form  218 , the cooling plate  224 , and/or other components making up the battery module  108 . It should further be appreciated that additional connectors may exist between the surfaces of the components making up these additional nodes as well as the nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F shown. However, for the sake of clarity in disclosure, the nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F and connectors  508  shown have been represented in a simplified and schematic form. In some embodiments, the first nodes  504 A may represent battery cells  208  that are held in position (e.g., in the X-Y plane of the representative coordinate system  502 ) at least via a lower housing  212 A and a cover  212 B. In one embodiment, it is an aspect of the present disclosure that the first nodes  504 A may additionally be held in position (e.g., in the X-Y plane) via a battery cell retaining form  218 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows a schematic representation of a force distribution framework associated with the unified battery module  108  with integrated battery cell structural support at a pre-impact state  500 A. As shown, in  FIG. 5A  a force, F, is about to act on a node  504 F in the force distribution framework. This force, F, may represent an impact (e.g., from a collision, component shift, or other mechanical failure, etc.) in the form of a vector having a first magnitude and acting in the negative Y-direction (e.g., according to the representative coordinate system  502  shown). At this pre-impact state  500 A, the nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F of the framework are all maintained at relative distances to one another by the components of the battery module  108  and the structural adhesive  404  disposed therebetween. 
     As the force, F, contacts the node  504 F in the force distribution framework,  FIG. 5B  shows the force, F, displacing the node  504 F a specific distance in the negative Y-direction (e.g., pushing the node  504 F closer to the next adjacent node  504 A along the Y-axis, etc.) and the framework of nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F and connectors  508  working in concert to resist the displacement imparted by the force, F. In particular, as the node  504 F is displaced, the structural adhesive  404  under the node  504 F acts in compression, while portions of the structural adhesive  404  between immediately adjacent nodes  504 A along the X-axis to the Y-axis displacing node  504 F may act in tension. For example, the immediately adjacent nodes  504 A along the X-axis are brought closer to the Y-axis displacing node  504 F in directions  512 A,  512 B (e.g., via a tension in the structural adhesive  404  between the immediately adjacent nodes  504 A along the X-axis and the displacing node  504 F). This tension may move the immediately adjacent nodes  504 A in a resultant direction  516 A,  516 B (e.g., based on the X-axis directions  512 A,  512 B and the Y-axis displacement direction). In some embodiments, the force, F, may additionally cause the structural adhesive  404  to act in compression forcing the next adjacent nodes  504 A along the Y-axis into a Y-axis displaced state. In any event, the structural adhesive  404  may be configured to provide a variable resistance as it is compressed and/or drawn out (e.g., stretched under tension). In some embodiments, all of the nodes and connectors in the battery module  108  force distribution framework may experience some movement (e.g., displacement) and/or absorb at least some of the force from the force, F. Distributing the impact force, F, among a large number, if not all, of the nodes  504 A,  504 B,  504 F in the framework allows the battery module  108  to decrease a force observed at a point of contact (e.g., node  504 F) while continuing to remain flexible in the X-Y plane. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the battery cell retaining form  218  with several battery cells  208  disposed therein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the battery cell retaining form  218  may comprise substantially planar first surface  608  offset, a height, H, from a substantially planar second surface  612 . The battery cell retaining form  218  may include a number of sides  616 A-D (sides  616 C and  616 D not shown), or sidewalls, disposed around a periphery of the form  218 . The battery cell retaining form  218  may include an array of receptacles  604  formed through the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the array of receptacles  604  may be arranged, or formed, in the battery cell retaining form  218  in a battery cell distribution pattern. In some embodiments, the array of receptacles  604  formed in the battery cell retaining form  218  are sized to prevent uncured and/or cured structural adhesive  404  from expanding through the array of receptacles (e.g., as the structural adhesive cures in the housing  212 ), the structural adhesive  404  further mechanically joining the battery cell retaining form  218  as part of the unified and integral structure of the battery module  108 . 
     Although shown as a substantially rectangular solid material, it should be appreciated that the battery cell retaining form  218  may be of any solid shape substantially conforming to an arrangement of the battery cells  208  in the housing  212  of the battery module  108 . In any event, the battery cell retaining form  218  may include a length, L, extending from a first side  616 A, along a second side  616 B, to a third side  616 C (not shown) (e.g., in the positive X-axis direction according to the representative coordinate system  602  shown) and a width, W, extending from the second side  616 B along the first side  616 A, to a fourth side  616 D (not shown) (e.g., in the positive Y-axis direction according to the representative coordinate system  602  shown). In some embodiments, the height, H, may correspond to a distance measured between the first surface  608  and the opposing second surface  612  in the Z-axis direction. In one embodiment, the length, L, width, W, and height, H, may define a volume of the battery cell retaining form  218 . The volume of the battery cell retaining form  218  may be sized to fit within at least one containment cavity of the housing  212  (e.g., lower housing  212 A, cover  212 B, and/or combinations thereof). 
     In some embodiments, the battery cell retaining form  218  may be made from a foam, plastic, or other lightweight dielectric material (e.g., low-density rigid foam, closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, molded plastic, composites, etc.). The receptacles  604  may be die cut, wire electrical discharge machined (EDM) cut, machined, molded, or otherwise formed through the battery cell retaining form  218 . It is an aspect of the present disclosure that the number of receptacles  604 , or battery receiving features, in the battery cell retaining form  218  match the number of battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , a detail broken section view of adjacent battery cells  208  held in the receptacles  604  of a battery cell retaining form  218  disposed inside a battery module  108  is shown at various stages  700 A-C of assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery cells  208  are shown held in place, at least partially, via the battery cell retaining form  218 . In some embodiments, a surface of each battery cell  208  (e.g., the bottom) may be placed into contact with a cooling plate  224 . The cooling plate  224  may be configured to convey a coolant or other fluid therethrough, thereby cooling at least one surface of the cooling plate and objects (e.g., battery cells  208 , etc.) in contact with the at least one surface. In one embodiment, the battery cells  208  may be mechanically adhered to the cooling plate  224  via a thermally conductive adhesive material. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive adhesive material may include mechanical separation elements embedded therein (e.g., beads, etc.), configured to separate the lowest surface of the battery cells  208  from the cooling plate  224  surface a known distance. Among other things, this separation may provide a predictable thermal conductive path between the cooling plate  224  and the battery cells  208  via the thermally conductive adhesive material. As described above, the base of the module  108 , the carrier  212 , and/or one or more battery cells  208  may be bonded to the cooling plate  224  using a structural adhesive that provides a thermal conductor (e.g., thermal interface material), and a di-electric barrier between the various elements and the cooling plate  224 . 
     The detail broken section view shows a split line  708  representing the lines where a lower housing  212 A may meet, or otherwise interconnect, with a cover  212 B. As can be appreciated, the split line  708  delineates between the first containment cavity space  702 A (e.g., of the lower housing  212 A) and the second containment cavity space  702 B (e.g., of the cover  212 B) of the housing  212 . A filling space, or volume,  704  disposed between adjacent battery cells  208  is shown in  FIG. 7A . In some embodiments, the structural adhesive  404  may be deposited (e.g., in a fluid, or semi-fluid state) into this filling volume  704  such that the structural adhesive  404  may evenly distribute and disperse between all of the battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a battery cell retaining form  218  in a first assembly state  700 A (e.g., the pre-fill stage) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 7A , the battery cell retaining form  218  has been disposed toward an upper portion (e.g., the positive terminal end) of the battery cells  208 . In some embodiments, the battery cell retaining form  218  may be contained inside the first containment cavity space  702 A prior to filling with structural adhesive  404 . In one embodiment, the battery cell retaining form  218  may be biased to be adjacent to the split line  708  of the housing  212  prior to filling the battery module  108  and the filling volume  704  with structural adhesive  404 . 
     In some embodiments, the structural adhesive  404  may be inserted into the filling volume  704  in a volume at least partially enclosed by an attached lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B. The lower housing  212 A and the cover  212 B may be attached via an adhesive connection, or adhesive layer  406 , disposed on the flanged surface  408 A and/or the mating flanged surface  408 B. In some cases, this structural adhesive  404  may remain in place after the filling volume  704  is filled mechanically connecting the lower housing  212 A to the cover  212 B. 
       FIG. 7B  shows the battery cell retaining form  218  in a second assembly state  700 B (e.g., the initial fill stage) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As the structural adhesive  404  is inserted, pumped, or otherwise deposited into the filling volume  704  between the battery cells  208 , the hydraulic force of the material filling and/or expanding in the first containment cavity space  702 A may force the battery cell retaining form  218  in an upward direction  712  toward the upper portion of the battery cells  208 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows the battery cell retaining form  218  in a third assembly state  700 C (e.g., the fill-cured stage) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Once the appropriate amount of structural adhesive  404  is inserted into the filling volume  704  (e.g., based on a volumetric dispense, mass dispense, etc., and/or combinations thereof, the battery cell retaining form  218  will cease to displace, or move, in the upward direction  712 . In some embodiments, the battery cell retaining form  218  may provide a space between the uppermost surface of the form  218  and the upper end, or top, of the battery cell  208 . This space may provide working area for making electrical interconnections, inserting other materials, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the battery cell retaining form  218  may compress between the cured structural adhesive  404  and the inside planar surface of the cover  212 B. In this example, the substantially planar first surface  608  of the form  218  may contact the inside upper surface of the cover  212 B, while the substantially planar second surface  612  of the form  218  may contact the structural adhesive  404 . This compression of the form  218  may allow for a tolerance in expansion of the structural adhesive  404  when curing. For instance, if the structural adhesive  404  has an estimated expansion volume of 20% greater than the original amount of fluid+/−5%, the battery cell retaining form  218  may be configured to compress an amount to accommodate the +5% expansion, +10% expansion, and/or more. In any event, once the structural adhesive  404  cures, and hardens into a solid or semi-solid state, the battery cells  208 , the cold plate  224 , and the battery cell retaining form  218  are joined together by the structural adhesive  404 , forming an integral and unified battery module  108  assembly. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of a dielectric mount sleeve  228  disposed between adjacent battery cells  208  in a battery module  108  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the upper shield  204 , fastener  804 , and other components have been removed for clarity. In some embodiments, the dielectric mount sleeve  228  may fasten the battery module  108  together and/or attach the battery module  108  to a vehicle mount base (see, e.g., mount base  812  of  FIG. 8B ). The dielectric mount sleeve  228  may be made from Garolite G10, fiberglass, ceramic coated materials, fiberglass-epoxy laminates, etc. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the dielectric mount sleeves  228  may be disposed internal to a periphery of the battery module  108  and between battery cells  208 . Among other things, this arrangement may allow for a more compact battery module  108  and one that does not require external clamping and/or fastening features. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a detail elevation section view of the dielectric mount sleeve  228  of  FIG. 8A . The dielectric mount sleeve  228  may be configured as a hollow shaft, having a total height, HS. The height, HS, of the dielectric mount sleeve  228  may define the maximum height from the cover  212 B to the bottom of the cooling plate  224  and may even define the height of the battery module  108 . In some cases, a fastener  804  may be inserted into the hollow shaft of the dielectric mount sleeve  228  and into a receiving feature  816  in, or associated with, the mount base  812 . In some embodiments, this receiving feature  816  may be a nut, threaded hole, and/or some other mating interconnection between the mount base  812  and the fastener  804 . In one embodiment, the fastener may be used to hold the upper shield  204  and other battery module  108  components together. Although shown as a washer  808 , or other load distributing member, in contact with the cover  212 B in  FIG. 8B , it should be appreciated that the washer  808 , or even the head of the fastener  804 , may apply a compressive, or clamping, force to the upper shield  204  holding the housing  212  components (e.g., lower housing  212 A, cover  212 B, etc.) together between the cooling plate  224  and the upper shield  204 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , as a force is applied to the fastener  804 , providing a clamping load for the battery module  108 , the load transmits to the dielectric mount sleeve  228  rather than the housing  212  and other battery module  108  components alone. In some embodiments, the load or compressive force imparted by overtightening the assembly fastener  804  may be resisted by the dielectric fastening sleeve  228  such that the lower housing  212 A and cover  212 B of the battery module  108  do not, and cannot, substantially deform, crack, or bend. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a detail broken plan view of a battery cell location frame  900  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the battery cell location frame  900  may be configured as a mechanical frame to maintain the battery cells  208  of the battery module  108  in the cell distribution pattern as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4C and 4D . For example, the receptacles  904  formed in the battery cell location frame  900  may be arranged in accordance with the cell distribution pattern configured to space apart and/or align the battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . The battery cell location frame  900  may be a part of the battery module  108  and/or integrally formed in a portion of the housing  212 . For instance, and as shown in  FIG. 4B , the battery cell location frame  900  may be formed in the lower housing  212 A. Additionally or alternatively, the battery cell location frame  900  may be integrally formed in the cover  212 B. 
     The battery cell location frame  900  may comprise a substantially planar substrate, through which, an array of receptacles  904  are formed. The receptacles  904  may be configured as a through-hole, or aperture, passing completely through a thickness of the substantially planar substrate. These receptacles  904  may each be sized to receive, and/or position, a battery cell  208  in the array of battery cells  208  in the battery module  108 . In some embodiments, each of the receptacles  904  may be sized to receive a battery cell  208  with a slip fit. For example, the receptacles  904  may be sized at a dimension to accommodate the outer peripheral dimension of a battery cell  208  plus a tolerance (e.g., the battery cell periphery dimension plus +0.05 mm to +0.50 mm, etc.) allowing for a noninterference fit between the battery cell  208  and the receptacle  904 . In some embodiments, the slip fit tolerance may be sized, set, or increased (e.g., the battery cell periphery dimension plus +0.50 mm to +1.50 mm, etc.) to include space for receiving structural adhesive  404 , contact adhesive, or other material. 
     At the periphery of each receptacle  904 , one or more protrusions  908  may extend a distance from the substantially planar substrate. This distance can provide an offset from a contacting plate or surface of the battery module  108  and may even provide one or more areas for structural adhesive  404  or other material to collect and/or adhere. The protrusions  908  may include a recess  912  configured as a receptacle, hole, blind hole, or through-hole. In any event, the recess  912  may be configured to receive structural adhesive  404 , contact adhesive, two-part epoxy, time-cured adhesive, or other material providing an enhanced surface area contact between the battery cell location frame  900  and the mating materials. Once the receptacles  904  are formed in the battery cell location frame  900 , the battery cell location frame  900  may comprise a number of bridges  916  between the protrusions  908  extending from the substantially planar substrate. 
       FIG. 9B  shows a detail broken section elevation view of the battery cell location frame  900  of  FIG. 9A . In particular, the section shown in  FIG. 4B  may be taken through line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 9A . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the battery cell location frame  900  may include a number of receptacles  904  configured to receive and/or position a battery cell  208 . The battery cell location frame  900  in  FIG. 9B  is shown in contact with an adhesive layer  924  and a cooling plate  224 . In some embodiments, the adhesive layer  924  may be a thermally conductive adhesive layer disposed between the battery cell location frame  900  and the cooling plate  224 . The battery cell location frame  900  may include a substantially planar substrate having a first planar surface  916 A and a second planar surface  916 B offset from the first planar surface  916 A by a thickness of the substantially planar substrate. As provided above, the receptacles  904  may be formed through the substantially planar substrate shown in  FIG. 9B . 
     Shown at the peripheries of the receptacles  904 , the protrusions  908  may be disposed on the first and/or second planar surfaces  916 A,  916 B between sets, or at the geometric center, of immediately adjacent receptacles  904  representing immediately adjacent battery cell positions in the battery cell distribution pattern. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the protrusions  908  may be disposed between sets, or at the geometric center, of three immediately adjacent receptacles  904  in staggered rows of the cell distribution pattern. The protrusions  908  shown in  FIG. 9B , include a first protrusion  908 A extending from the battery cell location frame  900  and offset a first distance from the first planar surface  916 A in a direction opposite the second planar surface  916 B, wherein the first protrusion  908 A is disposed at a periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles  904 . Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions  908  may include a second protrusion  908 B extending from the battery cell location frame  900  and offset a distance from the second planar surface  916 B in a direction opposite the first planar surface  916 A, wherein the second protrusion  908 B is disposed at a periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles  904 . 
     In one embodiment, the first protrusion  908 A may include a first recess  912 A configured as a hole extending from an exterior surface of the first protrusion  908 A a depth toward the first planar surface  916 A of the substantially planar substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the second protrusion  908 B may include a second recess  912 B configured as a hole extending from an exterior surface of the second protrusion  908 B a depth toward the second planar surface  916 B of the substantially planar substrate. In some embodiments, the first and/or second recesses  912 A,  912 B may be configured as a through-hole extending completely through the first and/or second protrusions  908 A,  908 B. Providing a through-hole recess  912  extending through the protrusions  912  can allow for material (e.g., structural adhesive, contact or other adhesive, etc., and/or some other material) to enter the recess  912  with little resistance and easy displacement of air during assembly of the battery cell location frame  900  with other components of the battery module  108 . 
     The first and/or second protrusions  908 A,  908 B may provide one or more adhesive areas  920  configured to receive structural adhesive  404 . These adhesive areas  920  may provide enhanced surface contact areas between the structural adhesive  404 , the battery cell location frame  900 , and the battery cells  208  positioned therein. For instance, the adhesive areas  920  disposed between the battery cell location frame  900  and the adhesive layer  924 /cooling plate  224  (e.g., on the second protrusion  908 B side of the frame  900 ) provides an enhanced adhesive contact between the components in the battery module  108 . Moreover, the adhesive areas  920  disposed under each bridge  916  allows the structural adhesive  404  to flow between these spaces and interconnect to each battery cell  208  therein forming the interconnected framework of adhered battery cells  208 . In some embodiments, the clearance, or adhesive areas  920 , under each bridge in the battery cell location frame  900  create a material flow path through which material (e.g., adhesive, etc.) may spread and disperse during assembly. Without these adhesive areas  920  (e.g., if the second protrusions  908 B did not exist), the structural adhesive  404  would be unable to flow between battery cells  208  in the battery cell location frame  900  and the battery cells  208  would not be connected in the framework at the lowermost portion of each battery cell  208 . As provided above, the battery cell location frame  900  may be integrated into (e.g., integrally formed in, etc.) a base portion of the lower housing  212 A, an upper portion of the cover  212 B, and/or be maintained as a separate component that fits within the housing  212 . In any event, the battery cell location frame  900  may be made from plastic, composite, or other electrically nonconductive or insulative material, etc. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show various perspective views of the battery module  108  and high voltage tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Each tapered busbar  220 A,  220 B runs from a first end  1004 A,  1004 B of the battery module  108  to a second end  1008 A,  1008 B of the battery module  108 . In one embodiment, the first tapered busbar  220 A may correspond to the busbar for a positive terminal of the array of battery cells and the second tapered busbar  220 B may correspond to the busbar for a negative terminal of the array of battery cells. In some embodiments, the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B may include one or more holes configured, or sized, to engage with one or more terminal connectors, or terminal studs,  1026 A,  1026 B captured in the housing  212  of the battery module  108  (e.g., captured in the lower portion  212 A of the housing  212 , etc.). 
     As previously described, the battery module  108  may comprise a plurality of battery cells  208  arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, or array, inside the housing  212 . The positive and negative terminals of the battery cells  208  may be electrically connected to the first and second tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B via one or more battery cell interconnects  216 . For example, the battery cells  208  may be arranged in electrically parallel rows of series-connected battery cells  208 . In this example, each row (e.g., each line of battery cells  208  extending from a first terminal side  1030 A of the battery module  108  to a second terminal side  1030 B of the battery module  108  along the Y-axis direction as illustrated by the coordinate system  1002 ) may include a number of battery cells  208  connected in series to one another via the battery cell interconnects  216  and row interconnections  1034 A,  1034 B. The row interconnections  1034 A,  1034 B may correspond to positive and negative battery cell row busbars that electrically connect each row of series-connected battery cells  208  in the battery module  108  to the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B, respectively. 
     Each row of series-connected battery cells in the array of battery cells  208  may be spaced apart along the X-axis direction such that an array of spaced apart electrical interconnection points  1020  are disposed along the length, LB. In some embodiments, the length, LB may correspond to a length of the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B, the array of battery cells  208 , and/or the battery module  108 . Adjacent rows in the battery module  108  (e.g., rows running substantially along the Y-axis direction and distributed along the X-axis direction, etc.) may be physically and electrically parallel to one another. As successive rows of battery cells  208  are added (e.g., electrically interconnected to the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B) from the first end  1004 A,  1004 B toward the second end  1008 A,  1008 B, the overall amount of electrical current provided to the busbars  220 A,  220 B from the interconnected battery cells  208  increases. For instance, the first row of series-connected battery cells  208  may be disposed adjacent to the first end  1004  of the battery module  108 , and the current provided to the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B interconnection at the first end  1004 A,  1004 B of the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B may equal the amount of current for a single row of battery cells  208 . As can be appreciated, the greatest amount of current provided to the busbars  220 A,  220 B may be at the second end  1008 A,  1008 B of the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B of the battery module  108 . It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide an increasing cross-sectional area of the tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B along the length, LB, to provide uniform current density (e.g., the measurement of electric current per unit area of busbar cross-section, for example, in amperes per square meter) measured at any point along the length, LB. 
     It should be appreciated that the rows of series-connected battery cells  208  described herein may refer to electrically-connected cells  208  (e.g., battery cells  208  connected in series, etc.) disposed substantially along a path running in the Y-axis direction of the battery module  108 . These rows may be arranged in a substantially linear, staggered, spaced apart, and/or other path or combination of paths running from one terminal side  1030 A of the battery module  108  to the other terminal side  1030 B of the battery module  108 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , the first and second tapered busbars  220 A,  220 B are disposed on a first terminal side  1030 A and a second terminal side  1030 B of the battery module  108 . The first tapered busbar  220 A may be substantially similar, if not identical, to the second tapered busbar  220 B. In some embodiments, the first tapered busbar  220 A may be arranged as a mirror image of the second tapered busbar  220 B, and/or vice versa (e.g., mirrored about the XZ-plane). As each busbar  220 A,  220 B is substantially similar in construction, the details and features described in conjunction with one busbar  220 A/ 220 B may correspond to the other busbar  220 B/ 220 A. However, the first tapered busbar  220 A may be associated with the first terminal row interconnection busbar  1034 A and the second tapered busbar  220 B may be associated with the second terminal row interconnection busbar  1034 B. For the sake of clarity in disclosure, the details, features, and interconnections of the second tapered busbar  220 B, which also may apply to the first tapered busbar  220 A, will be described in conjunction with  FIGS. 10A-11 . 
     The tapered busbar  220 B may be made from an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal, copper, aluminum, steel, graphene, etc., and/or combinations thereof) forming an electrically conductive and substantially planar member at least extending along length, LB. The tapered busbar  220 B may be of substantially uniform thickness, TB along length, LB. For instance, the tapered busbar  220 B may include a substantially planar portion made from strip of sheet material (e.g., sheet metal, copper, aluminum, steel, etc.) including one or more bent, formed, and/or otherwise shaped features. This substantially planar member may include a first height, HB 1 , at the first end  1004 B of the tapered busbar  220 B (and first end  1004  of the battery module  108 ) and a second greater height, HB 2 , at the second end  1008 B of the tapered busbar  220 B (and second end  1008  of the battery module  108 ). In some embodiments, the substantially planar member of the tapered busbar  220 B may gradually taper, and increase in height from the first end  1004 B to the second end  1008 B (e.g., between the first and second heights HB 1 , HB 2 ). 
     As the height changes over the length, LB, the cross-sectional area of the substantially planar member of the tapered busbar  220 B may increase. For example, the thickness, TB, may remain substantially uniform along the length, LB, while the gradual change in height changes the cross-sectional area for the tapered busbar  220 B (e.g., where the cross-sectional area (CSA) for the tapered busbar may be defined by the equation CSA=TB×HB*, where HB* is the height of the substantially planar member at any given point along the length, LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B). It is an aspect of the present disclosure that the gradually increasing cross-sectional area of the tapered busbar  220 B may provide a uniform current density at any point along the tapered busbar length, LB. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the tapered busbar  220 B (e.g., the size of the cross-sectional area at any given point along the length, LB) may be tuned, or custom generated, to provide a uniform current density for the battery cells  208  connected at any given point along the length, LB. By way of example, tuning the cross-sectional area may include determining the amount of current provided by a single row of connected battery cells  208  (e.g., the first row disposed at the first end  1004  of the battery module  108 ) and determining the cross-sectional area of the tapered busbar  220 B at the point of connection for the single row (e.g., the first end  1004 B of the tapered busbar  220 B), this amount of current divided by the cross-sectional area may correspond to the first current density measurement. Next, the shape tuning may include determining the current provided by all of the rows of battery cells  208  connected to the tapered busbar  220 B at a different point along the length, LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B. Using this subsequent current value and the first current density determined for the single row, the height for the tapered busbar  220 B (and corresponding cross-sectional area for the tapered busbar  220 B) may be determined for the different point of connection. Continuing this example, and based on the assumption that the thickness, TB, of the tapered busbar  220 B is substantially constant, or uniform, along the length LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B, the height of the tapered busbar  220 B at the different point of connection may be calculated by selecting a height such that the ratio of the first current density (e.g., A/m 2 ) matches the ratio of the second current density (A/m 2 ). Using this tuning method, for example, if the first current density provides a first ratio of 4 A/m 2  (e.g., the first CSA defined as CSA=TB×HB 1 ), and if the subsequent current value is determined to be 8 A, then the subsequent cross-sectional area must be two times the first cross-sectional area, such that the first ratio matches, or substantially matches, the second ratio (e.g., 8 A/2 m 2 =4 A/m 2 ). In this example, the height of the tapered busbar  220 B at the different point of connection may be determined based on the following equation: 2CSA=TBxHBN, where HBN is the height at the different point of connection. Solving for the height at the different point of connection, HBN, provides the following equation: HBN=(2CSA)/TB. 
     The tapered busbar  220 B may include a terminal connection tab  1012 B disposed at the second end  1008 B of the tapered busbar  220 B. In some embodiments, the terminal connection tab  1012 B may be integrally formed from the substantially planar member of the tapered busbar  220 B. For instance, the terminal connection tab  1012 B may be a bent end of the sheet material making up the tapered busbar  220 B. In one embodiment, the terminal connection tab  1012 B may be bent, or formed, such that the terminal connection tab  1012  extends substantially orthogonal to the substantially planar member of the tapered busbar  220 B. This bent, or formed, terminal connection tab  1012 B may provide additional strength for the battery module  108 , where the tapered busbar  220 B is connected to the housing  212  of the battery module  108  along the terminal edge (e.g., the edge running along the X-axis direction and extending along the length, LB) and connected to a portion of the housing  212  (e.g., the lower housing  212 A, via one or more terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B captured in the lower housing  212 A). Among other things, this attachment of the rigid tapered busbar  220 B to the housing  212  of the battery module  108  may provide a resistance to bending of the battery module  108  about the X-axis, Y-axis, and/or the Z-axis. As shown in  FIG. 10B , the tapered busbar  220 B may include a plurality of holes disposed along the substantially planar member of the tapered busbar  220 B. The holes may pass completely through the thickness, TB, of the tapered busbar  220 B and engage with a housing fastening feature  1022 . In one embodiment, the housing fastening feature  1022  may be a protrusion, fastener, stud, captured stud, standoff, etc. In some embodiments, the housing fastening feature  1022  may be a heat stake feature (e.g., a plastic material capable of being deformed via heat, changing the shape of the feature to dome the housing fastening feature  1022  over the hole  1024 , capturing the tapered busbar  220 B in place). 
     The terminal connection tab  1012 B of the tapered busbar  220 B may include a second bent, or formed portion  1002 B from a surface of the terminal connection tab  1012 B. In some embodiments, this portion  1002 B may be formed substantially orthogonal to the terminal connection tab  1012 B. In one embodiment, the portion  1002 B may be substantially planar extending in the X-axis direction (e.g., in the negative X-axis direction, running in the XY-plane, parallel to the terminal edge of the battery module  108 . The portion  1002 B may include one or more holes  1028 A,  1028 B to receive the one or more terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B. In one embodiment, the tapered busbar  220 B may be arranged with two holes  1028 A,  1028 B sized to receive two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B. The two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B may correspond to an electrical connection point to the tapered busbar  220 B and a terminal of the array of battery cells (e.g., negative or positive). As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B provide a connection stud, or fastener, feature that engages with the two holes  1028 A,  1028 B of the tapered busbar  220 B, where each of the two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B disposed at the second end  1008 B have the same polarity (e.g., both positive or both negative). The two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B may correspond to threaded fasteners, bolts, captured fasteners, threaded rods, and/or other threaded elements configured to receive and/or engage with a high voltage power connector (e.g., for an electric vehicle power system, etc.) and a clamping element (e.g., a nut, threaded nut, hex nut, mount nut, etc.). Examples of the high voltage power connector may include, but are in no way limited to, a ring terminal connector, U-shaped terminal connector, eyelet connector, hook terminal connector, spade terminal connector, lug, and/or some other terminal connector. 
     The portion  1002 B of the tapered busbar  220 B is shown in  FIG. 10B  in contact with a substantially planar surface of a lower housing terminal protrusion  214 B. The clamping elements (e.g., nuts) and high voltage power connectors are not shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  for clarity of description. In any event, each high voltage power connector may engage with a portion of a respective terminal connector  1026 A,  1026 B and a surface  1016 B of the portion  1002 B of the tapered busbar  220 B, the high voltage power connectors clamped against the substantially planar surface of the housing  212  via the clamping elements and providing an electrical interconnection between the high voltage power connectors and a single terminal (e.g., positive or negative terminal) of the array of battery cells  208 . In some embodiments, each high voltage power connector may be configured to handle the current provided by the tapered busbar  220 B and the array of battery cells  208 . As can be appreciated, providing two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B allows the battery module  108  to have two high voltage interconnections that can, among other things, provide a fail-safe redundant design in the event that a single interconnection at the busbar end  1008 B fails. Additionally or alternatively, the two terminal connectors  1026 A,  1026 B can serve as keying features to locate the tapered busbar  220 B to the housing  212  of the battery module  108 , and may even serve as poka-yoke features to correctly mount the appropriate tapered busbar  220 A,  220 B to the appropriate terminal side  1030 A,  1030 B of the battery module  108 , respectively. 
       FIG. 11  shows a graphical representation of a uniform current density  1114  for a tapered busbar  220 B superimposed on a graph  1100  measuring the gradually increasing cross-sectional area for the tapered busbar  220 B along the length, LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The graphical representation includes a vertical axis  1104  representing the cross-sectional area of the tapered busbar  220 B, which ranges from zero square meters at the origin  1102  to increasing non-zero cross-sectional area values moving up the vertical axis  1104  (e.g., in a direction away from the origin  1102 ). In addition, the graphical representation includes a horizontal axis  1108  representing the length, LB, along the tapered busbar  220 B, ranging from the first end  1004 B of the tapered busbar  220 B (at the origin  1102 ) to the second end  1008 B of the tapered busbar  220 B (at the measured point furthest from the origin on the horizontal axis  1108 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the gradually increasing cross-sectional area of the tapered busbar  220 B is represented by line  1110 . Line  1110  extends from a first cross-sectional area  1112 A, measured at the first end  1004 B of the tapered busbar  220 B, to a greater second cross-sectional area  1112 B, measured at the second end  1008 B of the tapered busbar  220 B. The current density  1114  is shown superimposed on the graph  1100  as being substantially uniform, and/or constant, along the length, LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B. Although shown as a substantially linear change in cross-sectional area from the first cross-sectional area  1112 A to the second cross-sectional area  1112 B, it should be appreciated that the change in cross-sectional area from point to point along the length, LB, of the tapered busbar  220 B may be exponential, logarithmic, non-linear, and/or any combination of linear and non-linear function. 
     The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to a battery module  108  and a number of battery cells  208  in an electric vehicle energy storage system. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein. 
     A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an electrical interconnection device that can be used between any electrical source and destination. While the present disclosure describes connections between battery modules and corresponding management systems, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be so limited. 
     Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein, and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
     The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights, which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 
     Embodiments include a battery module, comprising: a housing comprising a base and sidewalls extending from a periphery of the base, the base and sidewalls defining a first containment cavity having a first volume, wherein the base comprises a plurality of receptacles formed therein, the plurality of receptacles arranged in a battery cell distribution pattern, and wherein each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles is sized to receive a battery cell; an array of battery cells at least partially disposed within the first volume, the array of battery cells comprising base portions disposed in the plurality of receptacles of the housing and arranged in the battery cell distribution pattern providing an open volume surrounding each battery cell in the array of battery cells; and a structural adhesive disposed in the first volume of the housing and around each battery cell in the array of battery cells, the structural adhesive filling the open volume surrounding each battery cell and mechanically coupling each battery cell in the array of battery cells together in a force distribution framework. 
     Aspects of the above battery module further comprise a cover comprising an upper surface and walls extending from a periphery of the upper surface, the walls and upper surface defining a second containment cavity having a second volume, wherein the cover is attached to the housing along at peripheral contacting surfaces of the walls and sidewalls, wherein upper portions of the array of battery cells are at least partially disposed in the second volume of the cover, wherein the upper portions of the array of battery cells are disposed opposite the base portions of the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the cover comprises a plurality of receptacles formed in the upper surface and arranged in the battery cell distribution pattern, wherein each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles formed in the upper surface is sized to receive a battery cell in the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the sidewalls of the housing include a flanged surface following at least a portion of the periphery of the base, the flanged surface offset from and substantially parallel to the base, wherein the walls of the cover include a mating flanged surface configured to mate with the flanged surface of the housing. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the cover is temporarily attached to the housing via an adhesive layer disposed between the flanged surface of the sidewalls and the mating flanged surface of the cover, and wherein each battery cell in the array of battery cells is held in the battery cell distribution pattern via the plurality of receptacles formed in the base of the housing and the upper surface of the cover. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the structural adhesive contacts surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing and the walls of the cover mechanically joining the housing, cover, and battery cells in the array of battery cells into a unified and integral structure. Aspects of the above battery module further comprise a battery cell retaining form comprising a substantially planar surface including an array of receptacles formed therethrough, the array of receptacles formed in the battery cell distribution pattern and configured to receive at least a portion of the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module further comprise a dielectric fastening sleeve disposed between four adjacent battery cells in the array of battery cells, the dielectric fastening sleeve comprising a hollow shaft extending longitudinally from the upper surface of the cover through the base of the housing to a mount frame, the hollow shaft configured to receive an assembly fastener, wherein the battery module is fastened to a mount frame via the assembly fastener, and wherein a height of the hollow shaft defines a height of the battery module. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein a load or compressive force imparted by overtightening the assembly fastener is resisted by the dielectric fastening sleeve such that the housing and cover of the battery module do not substantially deform. 
     Embodiments include an energy storage device, comprising: a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in a number of spaced apart linear rows, wherein each energy storage cell in the plurality of storage cells is spaced apart from one another providing an open volume surrounding each energy storage cell; a carrier comprising a plurality of sidewalls and an upper and lower surface, the carrier including an internal void, wherein the plurality of energy storage cells are disposed at least partially within the internal void of the carrier; and a structural adhesive disposed in the internal void of the carrier, the structural adhesive filling the open volume surrounding each energy storage cell and at least a portion of the internal void of the carrier, the structural adhesive mechanically coupling each energy storage cell in the plurality of energy storage cells and the carrier together in a force distribution framework. 
     Aspects of the above energy storage device further comprise a cover forming the upper surface and a first portion of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the first portion of the plurality of sidewalls extend from a periphery of the upper surface, the first portion of the plurality of sidewalls and upper surface defining a first volume of the internal void; and a housing forming the lower surface and a second portion of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the second portion of the plurality of sidewalls extend from a periphery of the lower surface, the second portion of the plurality of sidewalls and upper surface defining a second volume of the internal void, wherein the first portion of the plurality of sidewalls are connected to the second portion of the plurality of sidewalls via mating flanged surfaces following at least a portion of the periphery of the carrier, the flanged surfaces being offset from and substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces. Aspects of the above energy storage device further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between and in contact with the mating flanged surfaces of the first and second portions of the plurality of sidewalls. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the structural adhesive contacts surfaces of the plurality of sidewalls in the internal void of the carrier and external surfaces of each energy storage cell in the plurality of energy storage cells mechanically joining the carrier and energy storage cells in the plurality of energy storage cells into a unified and integral structure. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the energy storage devices are one or more of battery cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, and/or ultracapacitors. Aspects of the above energy storage device further comprising: a retaining form gasket comprising a substantially planar surface including receptacles arranged in the number of spaced apart linear rows and formed completely through the retaining form gasket, wherein each receptacle is sized to receive a portion of each energy storage cell in the plurality of energy storage cells in the energy storage device. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the retaining form gasket maintains the plurality of energy storage cells in a position spaced apart from one another, and wherein the retaining form gasket is disposed in the first volume of the internal void. Aspects of the above energy storage device further comprising: a nonconductive standoff disposed between four adjacent energy storage cells in the plurality of energy storage cells, the nonconductive standoff comprising a hollow shaft extending longitudinally from the upper surface of the carrier through the lower surface of the carrier to a surface of a mount frame, the hollow shaft receiving a fastener clamping the carrier and plurality of energy storage cells to the mount frame, wherein a height of the hollow shaft defines a height of the energy storage device, and wherein the structural adhesive contacts a surface of the nonconductive standoff mechanically joining the nonconductive standoff in the unified and integral structure of the energy storage device. 
     Embodiments include a battery for an electric vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery modules electrically interconnected with one another, wherein each battery module of the plurality of battery modules comprises: a housing comprising a base and sidewalls extending from a periphery of the base, the sidewalls and base defining a first containment cavity having a first volume, wherein the base comprises a plurality of receptacles formed therein, the plurality of receptacles arranged in a battery cell distribution pattern, and wherein each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles is sized to receive a battery cell; an array of battery cells at least partially disposed within the first volume, the array of battery cells comprising base portions disposed in the plurality of receptacles of the housing and arranged in the battery cell distribution pattern providing an open volume surrounding each battery cell in the array of battery cells; and a structural adhesive disposed in the first volume of the housing and around each battery cell in the array of battery cells, the structural adhesive filling the open volume surrounding each battery cell mechanically coupling each battery cell in the array of battery cells together in a force distribution framework. 
     Embodiments include a battery module, comprising: an array of battery cells arranged in a battery cell distribution pattern comprising a two-dimensional pattern, the two-dimensional pattern comprising: a first row including a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in a first spacing along a first linear path extending in a first direction, the first row defining an outermost position for battery cells in the array of battery cells disposed along a first outer edge of the battery module; a second row offset a first distance from the first row in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second row includes a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in the first spacing along a second linear path extending in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell positions in the second row are perpendicularly inline with each of the plurality of battery cell positions in the first row; and a staggered third row offset a second distance from the second row in the second direction, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance, wherein the staggered third row includes a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in the first spacing along a third linear path extending in the first direction, wherein the plurality of battery cell positions in the staggered third row are offset in the first direction relative to the plurality of battery cell positions in the first and second rows such that the battery cell positions in the staggered third row are not inline with the plurality of battery cell positions in the first and second rows. 
     Aspects of the above battery module include wherein a first open volume is disposed between adjacent battery cells arranged in the first and second rows, wherein a second open volume is disposed between adjacent battery cells arranged in the second and third rows, and wherein the first open volume is greater than the second open volume. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the first open volume is configured to receive one or more of a fastener, a fastening sleeve, and/or a standoff of the battery module without contacting any battery cell in the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein each of the battery cell positions includes a battery cell and wherein each battery cell in the array of battery cells is separated from immediately adjacent battery cells via a spacing open volume. Aspects of the above battery module further comprising: a battery cell location frame, comprising: a substantially planar substrate having a first thickness extending from a first planar surface of the substrate to an opposing second planar surface of the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of receptacles formed through the first thickness and arranged in the battery cell distribution pattern, wherein each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles formed through the first thickness is sized to receive a corresponding battery cell of the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the battery cell location frame further comprises: a first protrusion extending from the battery cell location frame and offset a first distance from the first planar surface in a direction opposite the second planar surface, wherein the first protrusion is disposed at a periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the battery cell location frame further comprises: a second protrusion extending from the battery cell location frame and offset a second distance from the second planar surface in a direction opposite the first planar surface, wherein the second protrusion is disposed at the periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion includes a recess extending from a contact surface of the first and/or second protrusion a depth into the first and/or second protrusion. Aspects of the above battery module further comprising: a housing comprising a cavity having a first volume configured to receive at least a portion of the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module further comprising: a cover comprising a containment cavity having a second volume configured to receive at least a second portion of the array of battery cells, wherein the cover is interconnected to the housing along peripheral contacting surfaces of the housing. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the battery cell location frame is integrally formed in the housing and/or the cover. Aspects of the above battery module further comprising: a structural adhesive disposed in the first volume of the housing and around each battery cell in the array of battery cells, the structural adhesive filling the spacing open volume and the area surrounding each battery cell mechanically coupling each battery cell in the array of battery cells together in a force distribution framework. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the structural adhesive is disposed in the recess of the first and/or second protrusion, in an area between the first protrusion and the first planar surface, and/or in an area between the second protrusion and the second planar surface. 
     Embodiments include an energy storage device, comprising: a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in a cell distribution pattern, the cell distribution pattern comprising: a first terminal array disposed at a first edge of the energy storage device; a second terminal array disposed at a second edge side of the energy storage device, the second edge disposed opposite the first edge; and a center storage cell array disposed between the first and second edges of the energy storage device; wherein the first and second terminal arrays each comprise pairs of energy storage cell positions offset from one another in a first line defining a first direction, the pairs of energy storage cell positions repeating along a linear path running in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the center storage cell array comprises a first row of energy storage cell positions offset in the first and second directions from the pairs of energy storage cell positions in the first and second terminal arrays. 
     Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the center storage cell array comprises a second row of energy storage cell positions offset in the first direction and not offset in the second direction from the pairs of energy storage cell positions in the first and second terminal arrays. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein a first open volume is disposed between sets of four immediately adjacent energy storage cells arranged in the first and/or second terminal array, wherein a second open volume is disposed between adjacent energy storage cells arranged in the center storage cell array, and wherein the first open volume is greater than the second open volume. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the first open volume is configured to receive one or more of a fastener, a fastening sleeve, and/or a standoff of the energy storage device without contacting any energy storage cell in the array of energy storage cells. Aspects of the above energy storage device further comprising: an energy storage cell location frame, comprising: a substantially planar substrate having a first thickness extending from a first planar surface of the substrate to an opposing second planar surface of the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of receptacles formed through the first thickness and arranged in the cell distribution pattern, wherein each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles formed through the first thickness is sized to receive an energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells. Aspects of the above energy storage device include wherein the energy storage cell location frame further comprises: a first protrusion extending from the energy storage cell location frame and offset a first distance from the first planar surface in a direction opposite the second planar surface, wherein the first protrusion is disposed at a periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles; and a second protrusion extending from the energy storage cell location frame and offset a second distance from the second planar surface in a direction opposite the first planar surface, wherein the second protrusion is disposed at the periphery of at least one of the plurality of receptacles, wherein the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion includes a recess extending from a contact surface of the first and/or second protrusion a depth into the first and/or second protrusion. 
     Embodiments include a battery for an electric vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery modules electrically interconnected with one another, wherein each battery module of the plurality of battery modules comprises an array of battery cells arranged in a battery cell distribution pattern comprising a two-dimensional pattern comprising: a first row including a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in a first spacing along a first linear path extending in a first direction, the first row defining an outermost position for battery cells in the array of battery cells disposed along a first outer edge of the battery module; a second row offset a first distance from the first row in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second row includes a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in the first spacing along a second linear path extending in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell positions in the second row are perpendicularly inline with each of the plurality of battery cell positions in the first row; and a staggered third row offset a second distance from the second row in the second direction, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance, wherein the staggered third row includes a plurality of battery cell positions equispaced substantially in the first spacing along a third linear path extending in the first direction, wherein the plurality of battery cell positions in the staggered third row are offset in the first direction relative to the plurality of battery cell positions in the first and second rows such that the battery cell positions in the staggered third row are not inline with the plurality of battery cell positions in the first and second rows. 
     Embodiments include a tapered busbar, comprising: an electrically conductive member having a substantially planar portion including a length and a thickness running from a first end of the member to an opposite second end of the member, wherein the member has a first height at the first end and a greater second height the second end; and a terminal connection tab disposed at the second end of the member, wherein the terminal connection tab is integrally formed from the member, wherein the terminal connection tab extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the substantially planar portion of the member, and wherein the terminal connection tab includes a high voltage interconnection surface that receives at least one terminal connector forming an uninterrupted conductive path running from the first end of the member to the high voltage interconnection surface. 
     Aspects of the above tapered busbar further comprise: an array of spaced apart electrical interconnection points disposed along the length of the member, wherein each electrical interconnection point is a connection point for a row of series-connected energy storage cells in an energy storage module, and wherein adjacent electrical interconnection points in the array of spaced apart electrical interconnection points correspond to electrically-parallel rows of series-connected energy storage cells in the energy storage module. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein a cross-sectional area of the electrically conductive member gradually increases in size from a first area at the first end to a larger second area at the second end. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein the first area is sized to provide a current density for a single row of series-connected energy storage cells in the energy storage module, wherein the second area is sized to provide a uniform current density for a plurality of rows of series-connected energy storage cells in the energy storage module, and wherein the uniform current density substantially matches the current density. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein the second height of the member substantially matches a height of the terminal connection tab. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein the high voltage interconnection surface is a substantially planar protrusion extending substantially orthogonal from the terminal connection tab and in a direction following an axis running parallel to the length of the member. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein the substantially planar protrusion includes one or more holes sized to receive the at least one terminal connector. Aspects of the above tapered busbar include wherein the electrically conductive member includes a plurality of holes running along a portion of the length of the member and through the thickness of the member, and wherein each of the plurality of holes is sized to engage with a fastening feature of a housing associated with the energy storage module. 
     Embodiments include a battery module, comprising: an array of battery cells arranged in adjacent spaced apart series-connected rows, the rows spaced apart along a length of the battery module running from a first end to an opposite second end of the battery module; and a tapered busbar electrically interconnected to an electrical terminal for the array of battery cells, the tapered busbar comprising: an electrically conductive member having a substantially planar portion including a length and a thickness running from the first end of the battery module to the second end of the battery module, wherein the member has a first height at the first end and a greater second height the second end, and wherein the length of the member; and a terminal connection tab disposed at the second end of the battery module, wherein the terminal connection tab is integrally formed from the member, wherein the terminal connection tab extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the substantially planar portion of the member, and wherein the terminal connection tab includes a high voltage interconnection surface that receives at least one terminal connector forming an uninterrupted conductive path running from the electrical interconnection between the tapered busbar and the electrical terminal to the high voltage interconnection surface. 
     Aspects of the above battery module further comprise: a first battery cell row interconnection busbar in electrical contact with a positive terminal for each row of battery cells in the array of battery cells, wherein the first battery cell row interconnection busbar is disposed along a portion of the length of the battery module on a first terminal side of the battery module; and a second battery cell row interconnection busbar in electrical contact with a negative terminal for each row of battery cells in the array of battery cells, wherein the second battery cell row interconnection busbar is disposed along a portion of the length of the battery module on a second terminal side of the battery module opposite the first terminal side. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the electrical terminal for the array of battery cells is the first battery cell row interconnection busbar, the first battery cell row interconnection busbar including an array of spaced apart electrical interconnection points disposed along the length of the battery module, wherein each electrical interconnection point is a connection point for a row of battery cells in the spaced apart series-connected rows in the battery module. Aspects of the above battery module wherein adjacent electrical interconnection points in the array of spaced apart electrical interconnection points correspond to electrically-parallel rows of series-connected battery cells in the battery module. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein a cross-sectional area of the electrically conductive member gradually increases in size from a first area at the first end to a larger second area at the second end. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the first area is sized to provide a current density for a single row of series-connected energy storage cells in the energy storage module, wherein the second area is sized to provide a uniform current density for a plurality of rows of series-connected energy storage cells in the energy storage module, and wherein the uniform current density substantially matches the current density. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the second height of the member substantially matches a height of the terminal connection tab, wherein the high voltage interconnection surface is a substantially planar protrusion extending substantially orthogonal from the terminal connection tab and in a direction following an axis running parallel to the length of the battery module. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the substantially planar protrusion includes one or more holes sized to receive the at least one terminal connector. Aspects of the above battery module further comprise: a battery cell housing including an upper portion disposed adjacent to a first end of each battery cell in the array of battery cells and a lower portion disposed adjacent to an opposite second end of each battery cell in the array of battery cells. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the electrically conductive member includes a plurality of holes running along a portion of the length of the member and through the thickness of the member, and wherein each of the plurality of holes is sized to engage with a fastening feature disposed in a side of the upper portion of the battery cell housing. Aspects of the above battery module include wherein the lower portion of the battery cell housing includes two captured terminal connectors for a high voltage positive terminal connection disposed adjacent to the first terminal side and second end of the battery module, wherein the one or more holes in the substantially planar protrusion engage with the two captured terminal connectors, and wherein the two terminal connectors are configured to physically engage with a high voltage power connector for an electric vehicle power system connecting the high voltage power connector to the tapered busbar at two discrete locations. 
     Embodiments include a battery for an electric vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery modules electrically interconnected with one another via a high voltage connection, wherein each battery module of the plurality of battery modules comprises: an array of battery cells arranged in adjacent spaced apart series-connected rows, the rows spaced apart along a length of the battery module running from a first end to an opposite second end of the battery module; and a tapered busbar electrically interconnected to an electrical terminal for the array of battery cells, the tapered busbar comprising: an electrically conductive member having a substantially planar portion including a length and a thickness running from the first end of the battery module to the second end of the battery module, wherein the member has a first height at the first end and a greater second height the second end, and wherein the length of the member; and a terminal connection tab disposed at the second end of the battery module, wherein the terminal connection tab is integrally formed from the member, wherein the terminal connection tab extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the substantially planar portion of the member, and wherein the terminal connection tab includes a high voltage interconnection surface that receives at least one terminal connector forming an uninterrupted conductive path running from the electrical interconnection between the tapered busbar and the electrical terminal to the high voltage interconnection surface. 
     Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     One or more means adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and/or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
     The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
     The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation, which is typically continuous or semi-continuous, done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.” 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an embodiment that is entirely hardware, an embodiment that is entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. 
     A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     The terms “determine,” “calculate,” “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.