Annular Pouch Cell Module Layout for Stable Compact Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell modules with pouch cells face challenges in achieving stable and compact stacking while ensuring efficient electrical and mechanical contact, as well as protection against mechanical stress and pressure changes due to the flexible nature of the cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell module design featuring cylindrical inner and outer current collectors that guide and securely hold pouch cells in a stacked configuration, with each pouch cell having a circular shape and central through hole, allowing for robust electrical and mechanical connection, and optionally incorporating heat-conducting pads for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pouch cells are stacked in a conventional manner, then the cell module can be assembled, but the arrangement is not compact and stable due to the flexible nature of the cells
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cells are nested around the inner current collector, with each cell positioned in a specific angular orientation (e.g., 0°, 60°, 120°, 180°, 240°, 300°) around the central collector. This nesting arrangement ensures compact stacking while maintaining stability, as the cells are held in place by the rigid current collector structure rather than relying on external housing alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional linear or planar stacking to a three-dimensional radial arrangement around a central current collector. By organizing cells in a circular pattern around the inner current collector, the design achieves more compact volume utilization while enhancing structural stability through the rigid current collector framework.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pouch cells are securely held, then mechanical stability is improved, but the electrical contact efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The current collectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: the inner current collector provides both mechanical support (holding cells in radial arrangement) and electrical contact (collecting current from inner cell poles). The outer current collector similarly provides both structural containment and electrical connection to outer cell poles. This multi-functionality ensures that mechanical stability and electrical contact reliability are achieved through the same components rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical support function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated current collector structure. The rigid current collectors both hold the flexible pouch cells in stable positions and provide reliable electrical pathways to the cell terminals, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fixtures and electrical contacts.
3Volume of moving object
If the pouch cells are arranged compactly, then the cell module volume is reduced, but the electrical contact between cells and current collectors becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The current collectors are designed to extend axially through the entire stack of pouch cells, providing uniform electrical contact along the length of each cell. The inner current collector contacts all inner cell poles at their respective positions, and the outer current collector similarly contacts all outer cell poles, ensuring equipotential connection throughout the compact radial arrangement without requiring complex wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact system is segmented into discrete contact points at each cell position around the current collectors. Each pouch cell makes contact with the current collectors at its specific radial position, allowing for modular assembly where cells can be individually positioned and connected in the compact radial arrangement without requiring complex inter-cell wiring.
4Weight of moving object
If the flexible outer shell is used, then the pouch cell is lightweight and compact, but it becomes more susceptible to mechanical stress and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cells utilize flexible outer shells (thin films) that provide lightweight and compact construction while maintaining gas and liquid tightness. The flexibility of these shells is accepted and managed by the rigid current collector structure that provides the primary mechanical support, allowing the thin shells to serve their containment and insulation functions without bearing the mechanical stress loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid current collectors act as intermediary structures between the flexible pouch cells and the external environment. The current collectors bear the mechanical stress and provide structural stability, while the flexible outer shells focus on their primary functions of containment and electrical insulation, creating a division of labor that optimizes both lightweight design and mechanical resistance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cell module (10) with a plurality of electrochemical pouch cells (1), wherein each pouch cell (1) has at least one first and second electrode (2, 3), a separator (4) arranged between the electrodes (2, 3), and a flexible outer shell (5), wherein each pouch cell (1) has a circular outer rim (8) and a circular through-hole (7) arranged in its center, wherein an outer cell pole (28) is arranged at the outer rim (8) of each pouch cell (1) and an inner cell pole (29) is arranged at an inner rim (9) of the through-hole (7), wherein the cell module (10) has a cylindrical rod-shaped inner current collector (17) and an outer current collector (14) designed as a cylindrical shell, wherein the inner current collector (17) extends along a central axis (11) of the cell module (10) and the outer current collector (14) is concentric to the inner pantograph (17) is arranged,wherein the pouch cells (1) form a stack in the direction of the central axis (11) and are arranged such that the inner current collector (17) passes through the through-holes (7) of the pouch cells (1), wherein the inner cell poles (29) are electrically connected to the inner current collector (17) and the outer cell poles (28) are electrically connected to the outer current collector (14). The invention further relates to a vehicle with a cell module.