Battery Compression Inhibitor Prevents Cell Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules suffer from repeated compression of battery assemblies under external forces, leading to shape changes and deterioration in electrical characteristics due to relative movement between components.

Innovation Solution

The battery module incorporates partitions positioned between battery assemblies and end plates, which are exposed and protrude from the assemblies, with a base plate securely coupled to the end plates and partitions using screws, preventing direct external force compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the battery assembly is secured between end plates with multiple components (main members, reinforce members, supporting bars), then the battery assembly is fixed in position, but the components repeatedly move relative to the base plate under external force causing shape changes and electrical characteristic deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositional stability of battery assemblyVSAvoidElectrical characteristic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compression inhibitor as an intermediary component positioned between the battery assembly and the end plates. This compression inhibitor absorbs external compression forces before they reach the battery assembly, preventing the relative movement between components that causes electrical characteristic deterioration while maintaining positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression inhibitor is installed in advance between the battery assembly and end plates to provide pre-cushioning against external forces. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful relative movement and shape changes that would occur during operation under external loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Force

If the battery assembly is repeatedly compressed between end plates to absorb external force, then external force is absorbed, but the battery cell and cartridge undergo shape changes and charge/discharge performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveExternal force absorptionVSAvoidBattery cell and cartridge shape
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The compression inhibitor serves as a mediator that absorbs external compression forces, preventing these forces from being directly transmitted to the battery cell and cartridge. This protects the battery components from shape changes while still allowing the system to handle external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of external compression forces into a beneficial protective mechanism. The compression inhibitor is designed to absorb and distribute these forces, transforming what would be damaging repeated compression into a controlled protective action that maintains battery component integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3223339B1Battery compression inhibitor and battery module comprising same
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3223339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3223339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a battery compression inhibitor and a battery module comprising the same, the battery compression inhibitor being suitable for preventing at least one battery assembly from being compressed by repeated application of an external force between end plates. The battery compression inhibitor according to the present invention comprises, in order to protect a battery assembly inside a battery module: a barrier positioned on the periphery of the battery assembly and exposed from the battery assembly; and a base plate exposed from the battery assembly and from the barrier below the battery assembly and below the barrier.