Battery Module Case Structure for Cell Swelling Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery module cases face deformation or damage due to swelling battery cells, and reinforcing materials increase manufacturing costs and weight, necessitating a solution to manage pressure and prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module case design with end plates and a coupling mechanism that adjusts distance and frictional force when pressure exceeds a reference value, using a cover with holes and recessed parts to accommodate swelling, thereby reducing pressure on the battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing materials are used to strengthen the battery module case, then the strength and resistance to deformation are improved, but the manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the case material from rigid to flexible, allowing the case to deform elastically under pressure and return to its original shape. This flexibility enables the case to withstand swelling forces without requiring additional reinforcing materials, thereby maintaining strength while reducing weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the battery module case by allowing it to adapt its shape in response to internal pressure changes. The case can expand and contract dynamically to accommodate battery swelling, replacing static reinforcing structures with a dynamic, self-adjusting flexible design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcing materials are used to strengthen the battery module case, then the resistance to deformation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, enabling the case to maintain structural stability through elastic deformation rather than through reinforcing materials. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex reinforcement structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining resistance to deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible case serves itself by using its own elastic properties to resist deformation and accommodate swelling. The material inherently provides the necessary structural support without requiring additional reinforcing components, making the manufacturing process simpler and more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If the battery module case is made rigid to prevent damage, then the protection against swelling is improved, but the ability to accommodate volume expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the case from rigid to flexible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its volume in response to battery swelling. This flexibility enables the case to accommodate volume expansion while maintaining protection against damage through elastic recovery, simultaneously improving adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the case by enabling it to change its shape and volume in response to internal pressure. The flexible case can expand to accommodate swelling batteries and then return to its original shape, providing both protection and adaptability through its dynamic behavior.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the distance between end plates is fixed to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to respond to pressure changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distance between end plates dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the plates to move relative to each other in response to pressure changes from swelling batteries. This dynamic adjustment maintains structural stability through controlled deformation while enabling the structure to respond adaptively to varying pressure conditions.
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
Prevents deformation and damage to the battery module case by automatically adjusting pressure, improving cycle performance and extending the lifespan of the battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral area may have a different coefficient of friction depending on a location in the horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of end plates spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, a cover disposed on one surface of each of the plurality of end plates and having at least one hole extending in the horizontal direction formed therein, and a coupling part coupled to one of the plurality of end plates through the at least one hole.