Battery Pack Cooler with Conductive Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary battery modules may not be electrically connected when a cooler is placed between them, which can hinder effective cooling and increase the size of the battery pack.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrically conductive member within the cooler that is in contact and connected to both battery modules, allowing for direct cooling while maintaining electrical insulation between the cooler and the vehicle, and using a liquid cooling medium for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooler is placed between battery modules, then cooling efficiency is improved, but electrical connectivity between battery modules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically conductive member as an intermediary component within the cooler structure. This member serves as a mediator that simultaneously provides thermal conduction for cooling and electrical conduction for maintaining electrical connectivity between battery modules, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooler is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides thermal cooling through the cooling medium flow paths while simultaneously maintaining electrical connectivity through the electrically conductive member. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address both thermal management and electrical connection requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If a cooler is placed between battery modules, then cooling efficiency is improved, but battery pack size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cooling function and electrical connection function into a single integrated cooler component. By combining these functions, the design eliminates the need for separate cooling plates and electrical connection components, thereby reducing the overall battery pack volume while maintaining effective cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooler is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides thermal management and electrical connectivity. This universal design reduces the total number of components needed in the battery pack, leading to compact dimensions without compromising cooling performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures electrical connectivity between battery modules for effective cooling, reduces the size of the battery pack, and improves thermal management with liquid cooling, while maintaining electrical insulation from the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler located between the first battery module and the second battery module, configured to cool the first battery module and the second battery module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of flow paths through which a cooling medium circulates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

including an electrically conductive member... the cooler is in contact with and connected to the first battery module and the second battery module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220320622A1Battery pack and vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.10.06

AI summary

The battery pack includes: a first battery module and a second battery module each including multiple battery cells that are stacked together; and a cooler. The cooler is located between the first battery module and the second battery module, is configured to cool the first battery module and the second battery module, and includes an electrically conductive member.