Battery Module Buffer Plate Structure for Explosion Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules lack effective mechanisms to prevent serial explosions of battery cells and subsequent chain ignition of adjacent cells, which can occur due to overcharging or other failures.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design that includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, with a pair of first plates facing the cells and parallel to the first direction, a pair of second plates facing the cells and parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, a buffer member to move the second plate relative to the first plate in case of an explosion, and a holder to selectively limit the relative movement of the second plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If battery cells are arranged in a fixed rigid structure, then structural stability is improved, but pressure from explosion cannot be relieved and chain ignition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer member that enables dynamic movement between the first plate (fixed to battery cells) and second plate (fixed to housing). When explosion occurs, the buffer member allows the second plate to move away from the first plate, dynamically absorbing explosion pressure while maintaining normal structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member acts as an intermediary element between the first plate and second plate. It absorbs and dissipates explosion pressure through controlled deformation, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces from exploded battery cells to adjacent cells and housing.
2Strength
If the second plate is fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then structural integrity is improved, but explosion pressure is transmitted to adjacent cells causing chain ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the second plate and housing is designed to be conditionally rigid. During normal operation, the structure maintains rigid integrity for strength. During explosion, the buffer member's movement creates controlled separation that prevents pressure transmission while maintaining overall structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is pre-configured as a cushioning element between the first and second plates. It is designed to deform and absorb explosion pressure before the pressure can reach adjacent battery cells, providing beforehand protection against chain ignition.
3Reliability
If a movable buffer mechanism is introduced to relieve explosion pressure, then prevention of chain ignition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is implemented as a flexible, deformable component that can be made from elastomeric materials or thin-walled structures. This flexible design provides explosion pressure absorption functionality while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to rigid mechanical buffer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member operates autonomously without external control systems. When explosion occurs, it automatically deforms and moves to absorb pressure, and can potentially return to its original position or remain in a safe state without requiring sensors, actuators, or control electronics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively reduces the pressure applied to remaining battery cells by allowing the second plate to move away from the first plate upon an explosion, thereby preventing chain ignition of adjacent cells and ensuring safer operation of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
configured to move the second plate relative to the first plate in a direction parallel to the first direction when a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells explodes
Implementation Method 2
The buffer member may be elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, a pair of first plates arranged to face the plurality of battery cells and parallel to the first direction, a pair of second plates arranged to face the plurality of battery cells and parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, a buffer member coupled between a first plate of the pair of first plates and a second plate of the pair of second plates and configured to move the second plate relative to the first plate in a direction parallel to the first direction when a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells explodes, and a holder connected to the buffer member and configured to selectively limit movement of the second plate relative to the first plate.