Battery Cell Assembly Using Unitary Wrapping Sheet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery cell assemblies are heavy and difficult to assemble due to the need for intermediate frame members to couple battery cells together.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell assembly utilizing a unitary wrapping sheet that directly contacts and encloses the top and bottom surfaces of multiple battery cells, holding them in a substantially parallel orientation without the need for intermediate frame members, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If intermediate frame members are used to couple battery cells together, then the battery cell assembly achieves structural stability, but the assembly becomes heavy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a shrink-wrapping film (flexible thin film) to enclose and couple multiple battery cells together. The film is wrapped around the battery cells and shrunk to provide structural stability and coupling without requiring heavy intermediate frame members, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and assembly weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple battery cells into a single integrated assembly using the shrink-wrapping film as a unified coupling mechanism. Instead of using separate frame members for each cell connection, the film merges all cells into one stable structure, reducing overall complexity and weight while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If intermediate frame members are used to couple battery cells together, then the battery cell assembly achieves structural stability, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shrink-wrapping film provides structural stability through its flexible yet conforming nature. The film can be easily wrapped around battery cells in various configurations and shrunk to lock them in place, making the assembly process simpler and more adaptable compared to rigid frame members

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly process allows for dynamic adjustment during wrapping and shrinking. The film can be positioned and adjusted around the battery cells before final shrinking, enabling easy assembly and reconfiguration without the constraints of pre-fixed frame members

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If intermediate frame members are used to couple battery cells together, then the battery cells are securely held, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shrink-wrapping film provides reliable coupling by conforming to the shape of the battery cells and shrinking to create a tight, secure fit. This single-film solution replaces multiple frame members and fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving coupling reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shrink-wrapping film serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples battery cells together, provides structural stability, protects the cells, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3246965B1Battery cell assembly
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3246965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3246965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3246965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery cell assembly having first, second, and third battery cells and a unitary wrapping sheet is provided. The unitary wrapping sheet is disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the first battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the second battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the third battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on and encloses a portion of a combined periphery of the first, second, and third battery cells such that the top surface of the first battery cell, the top surface of the second battery cell, and the top surface of the third battery cell are held substantially parallel to one another.