Integrated Battery Module Case With Built-In Coolant Flow Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery module cases require separate components for cooling channels, increasing process costs and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A case for a battery module with an integrated coolant flow path and end plate, featuring a lattice-shaped plate portion, extension, and coolant flow tube, which are molded integrally to reduce assembly processes and enhance cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used to install cooling channels in battery modules, then cooling function is achieved, but process costs increase and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess costVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the cooling channel directly into the battery module case structure, merging the case and cooling channel into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling channel components and their installation processes, thereby reducing both process costs and assembly complexity while maintaining the cooling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If separate components are used to install cooling channels in battery modules, then cooling function is achieved, but assembly processes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the cooling channel into the case structure, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. The cooling channel is formed as part of the case during case manufacturing, eliminating separate installation processes and reducing assembly time, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If integrated end plate with coolant flow tube is used, then assembly processes are simplified, but manufacturing complexity of end plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidend plate manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs integral molding technology to manufacture the end plate with integrated coolant flow tubes. This manufacturing approach, while complex in process, allows for the production of integrated structures as a single component, simplifying assembly and reducing the number of parts without requiring multiple separate manufacturing and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4343923B1Case for battery module and battery pack
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4343923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343923B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a case for a battery module including: a body having an internal space; and an end plate disposed on an end of the body, wherein the body includes a bottom plate having at least one coolant flow path through which a coolant flows, and wherein the end plate includes a coolant flow tube through which the coolant flows and at least one connection portion extending from the coolant flow tube and coupled to the at least one coolant flow path of the bottom plate.