Traction Battery Cell Layout for Higher Pack Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction batteries have low space utilization due to the spaced arrangement of battery cells relative to the case, which limits the energy density of the battery.
Innovation Solution
A battery design where M*N battery cells are arranged in M rows and N columns, with each column aligned in a first direction and each row in a second direction, optimizing the fit within the case to maximize space utilization and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are arranged spaced apart from the case frame, then safety and ease of assembly are improved, but space utilization and energy density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning structures (such as positioning ribs or positioning holes) as intermediary elements between the battery cells and the case frame. These positioning structures enable the battery cells to be arranged closely together while maintaining proper spacing and alignment, thus improving space utilization without compromising safety or assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensional parameters of the battery cell arrangement by setting the ratio D1/D2 within the range of [0.9, 1], where D1 is the maximum dimension of the battery array in the second direction and D2 is the maximum dimension of the accommodating cavity in the second direction. This parameter optimization allows the battery cells to fill more of the available space while maintaining safe distances from the case frame.
2Ease of manufacture
If battery cells are arranged spaced apart from the case frame, then ease of assembly is improved, but space utilization and energy density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structures (positioning ribs or positioning holes) serve as intermediary elements that guide the assembly process. These structures provide natural alignment features that make it easier to assemble the battery cells into the case while maintaining close spacing, thus improving both ease of assembly and space utilization simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the D1/D2 ratio within [0.9, 1], the patent creates an arrangement where battery cells are closely spaced but still maintain adequate clearance from the case frame. This optimized parameter range ensures that the assembly process remains straightforward while maximizing space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery comprises a case and a battery array. The case is provided with an accommodating cavity, and the battery array is accommodated in the accommodating cavity. The battery array includes M*N battery cells arranged in M rows and N columns, wherein M1, N1, and both M and N are positive integers. Each column of battery cells in the battery array is arranged in a first direction, which is a length direction of the battery or a travel direction of the power consuming apparatus with the battery. Each row of battery cells in the battery array is arranged in a second direction, which intersects with both the first direction and a vertical plane. A maximum dimension D1 of the battery array in the second direction and a maximum dimension D2 of the accommodating cavity in the second direction satisfy D1/D2∈[0.9, 1].