Battery Module Cell Contact Structure for Higher Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules reduce energy density due to the use of elastic objects like foam for pressurization between cells, which occupy space and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where adjacent cell housings are in direct contact, with brackets restricting movement to eliminate the need for buffer members, thereby increasing energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If elastic objects such as foam are filled between adjacent cells to achieve pressurization, then the service life of the battery module is increased, but the energy density is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic buffer members (foam) from between adjacent cells and replaces them with a rigid support plate structure. The support plate extends between adjacent cells and provides the necessary support function without requiring compressible materials, thereby eliminating the space occupation and cost associated with elastic objects while maintaining the pressurization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the support structure from elastic/compressible (foam) to rigid (support plate). This parameter change allows the structure to provide support and pressurization without requiring the material to be compressed, thus eliminating the need for buffer members and increasing energy density while maintaining service life through proper structural design.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If elastic objects such as foam are filled between adjacent cells to achieve pressurization, then the service life of the battery module is increased, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic buffer members (foam) from between adjacent cells and replaces them with a rigid support plate structure. The support plate extends between adjacent cells and provides the necessary support function without requiring compressible materials, thereby eliminating the space occupation and cost associated with elastic objects while maintaining the pressurization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive elastic materials (foam) with a simpler, more cost-effective rigid support plate structure. The support plate can be manufactured from common materials and provides the necessary function without the added cost of elastic materials, making the battery module more economically viable while maintaining service life.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If buffer members are used between adjacent cells to provide swelling space, then the service life is improved, but the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic buffer members (foam) from between adjacent cells and replaces them with a rigid support plate structure. The support plate extends between adjacent cells and provides the necessary support function without requiring compressible materials, thereby eliminating the space occupation and cost associated with elastic objects while maintaining the pressurization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using compressible materials (foam) that occupy three-dimensional space to a planar support plate structure. The support plate provides the necessary support and pressurization function in a two-dimensional configuration, significantly reducing the volume occupied while maintaining service life through proper structural design.
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 reduces occupied space by eliminating the need for buffer members, enhancing energy density and cell pressure application, while also protecting sealing portions and improving service life.
Implementation Method 1
the body portions of adjacent cells apply pressure to each other through the body portions. By restricting the plurality of cell units from moving away from each other through the first member and the second member
Implementation Method 2
The first member is configured to restrict the cells from moving away from each other, and the second member is configured to restrict the cells from moving away from each other
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a battery module and an electrical device. The battery module includes a first member, a second member, and a plurality of cell units arranged along a first direction. Each of the cell units includes a cell and a bracket. The cell includes a cell housing, an electrode assembly disposed in the cell housing, and an electrode terminal. The cell housing includes a body portion and a first sealing portion. The electrode terminal extends out of the cell housing from the first sealing portion. The body portions of adjacent cells are in direct contact. The cell housing includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. The first wall and the second wall are disposed opposite to each other along a second direction. The third wall and the fourth wall are disposed opposite to each other along the first direction. The bracket includes a first portion. The first portion covers at least a part of the first wall. When viewed along the second direction, in the first direction, the first portion does not exceed the third wall, and does not exceed the fourth wall. The first member and the second member are configured to restrict the cells from moving away from each other. The above battery module can increase the energy density of the battery module.