Battery Module Cooling Housing for Compact Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules require separate fixing and cooling components, leading to increased volume, complexity, and manufacturing costs, with inefficiencies in space utilization, energy density, and cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a single-piece cooling housing with protrusions and recesses for improved contact area and heat transfer, combined with a method of applying a thin heat transfer member for enhanced cooling efficiency and reduced resin usage, allowing for increased space utilization and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate fixing members and cooling members are used to stack and fix battery cells, then the battery module can be assembled with basic functionality, but the volume of the battery module is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fixing member and cooling member into a single integrated component. The fixing member includes fixing protrusions that engage with recesses in the battery cell cases, while simultaneously incorporating cooling channels that receive cooling fluid to cool the battery cells. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixing and cooling components, reducing the overall volume of the battery module while maintaining both mechanical support and thermal management functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate fixing members and cooling members are used, then basic assembly is achieved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is designed as an integrated component that combines mechanical fixing functionality with cooling functionality. The fixing protrusions provide mechanical engagement with the battery cell cases, while the cooling channels embedded within the same component deliver cooling fluid to the battery cells. This single integrated component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate fixing members and cooling members are used, then the battery module can be assembled, but manufacturing time and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fixing and cooling member reduces the number of assembly steps required. Instead of separately installing fixing members and cooling members, the single integrated component can be installed in one operation. This reduces manufacturing time and labor costs while maintaining the necessary assembly functionality for securing battery cells and providing thermal management.
4Temperature
If cooling members are mounted on battery cells with insulation members, then cooling function is provided, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the fixing member structure, eliminating the need for separate cooling members mounted on the battery cells. The cooling fluid flows through channels formed within the fixing member itself, providing cooling functionality while utilizing the existing structural space. This integration eliminates additional insulation members and mounting structures, thereby improving space utilization within the battery module.
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
The solution maximizes space utilization and energy density, improves assembly efficiency, and reduces manufacturing time and costs by integrating cooling and fixing components, while enhancing heat transfer efficiency and preventing laser beam penetration during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer member, wherein the heat transfer member is located between the cooling plate and the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
a surface contact between a battery group and a cooling housing is maximized by an elastic pad provided on an upper side of the battery group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a battery module, which includes: a battery group formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells, each of which includes electrode tabs; a cooling housing including a cooling plate located corresponding to one side of sides of the battery group, in which the electrode tabs are not extended, and side plates located on both sides of the battery group perpendicular to the one side of the sides, thus to house the battery group; a cover plate located on the other side of the battery group; and a front cover part and a rear cover part, which are located at outermost front and rear of the battery group on both sides in a direction in which the electrode tabs are extended.