Vehicle Battery Case with Zigzag Air Guide for Uniform Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cases are inadequate in heating the battery module, leading to inefficient temperature management, and they fail to securely support the module against vibrations and impacts, resulting in potential short-circuits and uneven cooling efficiency due to non-uniform air flow.
Innovation Solution
A battery case design featuring a lower frame with an upper open part, an inner upper frame with a guide partition wall, and fans for controlled air flow, allowing for selective heating or cooling of the battery module, secure fixation, and protection from external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cooling fans and elastic members are used, then cooling function is provided, but heating function is not available and vibration protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both cooling and heating capabilities into a single temperature management system. The case structure incorporates features that enable both cooling air circulation and heating operations, allowing the same system to adapt to different temperature management needs rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the battery case into multiple functional zones with separate support structures. The support member is divided into multiple contact points that can independently respond to vibrations from different directions, providing targeted protection while maintaining overall structural integrity for both cooling and heating operations.
2Reliability
If elastic members are installed on inner wall surfaces, then vibration support is provided, but air flow uniformity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning support members at specific locations where they contact the case at discrete points rather than along entire surfaces. This localized support approach provides vibration protection at critical points while leaving the majority of the case surfaces open for uniform air flow during cooling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members extend in multiple dimensions to provide vibration support from various directions while maintaining clearance for air flow. By using three-dimensional positioning and orientation of support elements, the system achieves vibration protection without compromising the two-dimensional air flow paths needed for cooling efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If battery module is elastically supported, then impact protection is improved, but fixation stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating support members that are pre-positioned to absorb and mitigate impact forces before they reach the battery module. These support structures are designed to deform or absorb energy during impact events, providing protective cushioning while maintaining stable fixation during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are positioned asymmetrically at different locations around the battery module, providing targeted protection against impacts from specific directions. This asymmetric arrangement allows optimal protection against expected vibration and impact sources while maintaining stable fixation, rather than using uniform symmetric support that would compromise either protection or stability.
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 enhances cooling and heating efficiency by uniformly cooling or heating the entire battery module surface, securely fixing the module, and providing double insulation to reduce external temperature effects, thus improving overall temperature management and protection.
Implementation Method 1
a suction fan which sucks the air into the battery case from the outside
Implementation Method 2
a heater installed in the rear of the suction fan, and the air sucked from the suction fan is selectively heated
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust fan installed on the upper portion of the rear plate so as to discharge the cooling (heating) air to the outside
Implementation Method 4
a guide partition wall arranged in the side of the inner upper frame so as to closely contact the battery module, and the guide partition wall guides cooling (heating) air sucked by the suction fan along a zigzag path from the lower part of the side of the battery module to the upper part thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery case for a vehicle, and more particularly to a battery case for effectively lowering or raising the temperature of a battery module consisting of a plurality of batteries used in a vehicle or mechanical apparatus. According to the present invention, a battery case includes: a lower frame with an upper open part; a lower plate fixed to the lower frame for holding the battery module thereon, the lower plate being formed lengthwise with an inlet hole, an outlet hole, and a heat exchange hole; an inner upper frame with an upper surface having a terminal through-hole for enclosing the battery module; a front frame attached to an open front of the inner upper frame for holding a suction fan at the lower part thereof; an outer upper frame with an upper surface having a terminal through-hole for enclosing the inner upper frame and the front frame; a rear plate attached to the rear of the outer upper frame for holding an exhaust fan; and a guide partition wall arranged in the side of the inner upper frame so as to closely contact the battery module, characterized in that the guide partition wall guides the cooling (heating) air sucked by the suction fan along a zigzag path from the lower part of the side of the battery module to the upper part thereof to the exhaust fan.