Battery Pack Control Device Layout for Compact Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration of battery management systems (BMS) in battery packs, where the control device is positioned above the battery modules, leads to increased housing size, hindering miniaturization and energy density.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design where the control device and low-voltage connection assembly are positioned in the gap between battery modules, allowing for a compact structure, improved energy density, and simplified assembly by utilizing a staggered configuration and L-shaped brackets for secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the control device is disposed above the battery modules, then the control device can be easily mounted, but the housing size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting control deviceVSAvoidhousing size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (above battery modules) to a horizontal arrangement (in the gap between battery modules). This dimensional change allows the control device to utilize previously unused horizontal space, reducing the housing size without compromising mounting ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is nested within the existing gap structure between battery modules, effectively utilizing the available space. The low-voltage connection assembly is also positioned within this gap, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall housing volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the control device is disposed above the battery modules, then the control device is easily accessible, but the energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of control deviceVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By transitioning from vertical to horizontal positioning, the control device occupies space that would otherwise be available for battery modules. This preserves the quantity of active materials while maintaining accessibility through the gap configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gap between battery modules is specifically utilized to house the control device and connection assembly. This localized use of space converts previously wasted space into functional space, maintaining energy density while ensuring accessibility for maintenance and operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the low-voltage connection assembly is disposed above the battery modules, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the housing size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection simplicityVSAvoidhousing size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The low-voltage connection assembly is merged with the control device by positioning both within the same gap between battery modules. This combined arrangement simplifies the electrical connection path while minimizing the space required, as both components share the same spatial envelope

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The low-voltage connection assembly is nested within the gap structure, with the control device also positioned in the same gap. This nested configuration allows both components to coexist in a compact arrangement, reducing housing size while maintaining connection simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240047765A1Battery pack, method for assembling battery pack, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.02.08 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20240047765A1 patent drawing
  • US20240047765A1 patent drawing
  • US20240047765A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a battery pack and a vehicle that facilitate miniaturization of the battery pack. A battery pack includes: a housing including a bottom plate; battery modules configured on the bottom plate, including first battery modules and second battery modules, a gap being disposed between the first battery modules and the second battery modules; a control device disposed in the gap; and a low-voltage connection assembly electrically connecting the battery module and the control device, the low-voltage connection assembly being disposed in the gap, located between the control device and the battery module, and located below the control device.