Battery Module-CMU Assembly for Wire-Free Serviceable Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery module structures in vehicles face inefficiencies in space utilization, weight, and cost due to separate and wired connections between battery cells and cell management units (CMUs), making it difficult to replace and repair CMUs within the battery case.

Innovation Solution

A battery module assembly structure where CMUs are linearly coupled to and decoupled from battery modules, allowing for wireless communication with a battery management system, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and wires, and enabling easy replacement or repair by moving the CMU upward or downward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CMUs are separately mounted with wired connections to battery cells, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but space utilization deteriorates and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the CMU and battery module into a single integrated assembly. The CMU is positioned to overlap with the battery module in the vertical direction, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and reducing overall volume while maintaining electrical connection reliability through integrated connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The CMU is nested within the vertical space above the battery module, utilizing the overlapping region. This nesting arrangement allows the CMU to be housed within the existing structural envelope of the battery pack without requiring additional lateral space, thus improving space utilization while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If CMUs are separately mounted with wired connections, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidbattery pack weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the CMU and battery module into one integrated assembly, the patent eliminates redundant structural components and wiring harnesses that would otherwise be needed for separate mounting. This integration reduces the overall weight while maintaining stable electrical connections through the integrated connector system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If CMUs are fixedly mounted within the battery case, then secure installation is achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation securityVSAvoidCMU replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the battery pack into modular components, with the CMU forming a separable module that can be independently removed. The CMU is configured to be movable relative to the battery module along the vertical direction, allowing it to be detached by simple linear displacement without complex disassembly procedures, thus maintaining installation security while greatly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The CMU is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move linearly between an engaged position (for secure operation) and a disengaged position (for easy removal). This dynamic design enables the CMU to transition between stable installation and easy repair states through simple linear displacement along the vertical axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If multiple CMUs are mounted in the battery case, then comprehensive cell monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell monitoring comprehensivenessVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery pack into multiple battery modules, each with its own integrated CMU. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of all battery cells while maintaining simple individual module designs. Each module-CMU pair is self-contained and identical in structure, reducing overall system complexity through standardization and modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs identical CMU designs across all battery modules, with each CMU performing the same monitoring functions for its associated battery cells. This universal design approach simplifies manufacturing, installation, and maintenance while enabling comprehensive monitoring throughout the entire battery pack through replication of the same proven module.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20240194957A1Battery module assembly structure for vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20240194957A1 patent drawing
  • US20240194957A1 patent drawing
  • US20240194957A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery module assembly structure includes a battery module formed by overlapping battery cells and a cell management unit (CMU). The CMU is coupled to a side of the battery module to acquire information on the battery cells constituting the battery module.