Removable Battery Cooling Manifold Assembly With Sealed Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery system manifolds are not easily coupled with other manifolds, limiting their versatility and efficiency in cooling battery packs.

Innovation Solution

A manifold assembly comprising two removably coupled manifold members with tubular walls, apertures, port members, sealing members, and male connecting portions allows for fluid communication and easy assembly, enabling efficient cooling of battery cells through heat exchangers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manifold designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the manifolds cannot be easily coupled to other manifolds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of couplingVSAvoidmanifold structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold assembly is divided into multiple separate manifold members (first manifold member, second manifold member, third manifold member) that can be independently manufactured and then coupled together through male connecting portions and female receiving portions, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male connecting portion of one manifold member is inserted into the female receiving portion of another manifold member, with sealing members nested within the receiving portion to ensure fluid-tight connections between coupled manifold members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of time

If manifolds are designed for easy coupling, then assembly time is reduced, but sealing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly timeVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing members are pre-installed within the female receiving portions during manufacturing, so that when manifold members are coupled together, the sealing interface is already prepared and ready to prevent leakage, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring additional assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing members act as intermediary elements between the male connecting portion and female receiving portion, providing a dedicated sealing interface that ensures fluid-tight connections while allowing for easy coupling and decoupling of manifold members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 facilitates easy assembly and efficient cooling of battery cells by allowing manifold members to be easily coupled, reducing assembly time and enhancing the overall performance of the battery system.

Implementation Method 1

a second sealing member disposed on the second inner surface proximate to the third end, wherein the first male connecting portion of the first manifold member is configured to be removably coupled to the fourth end of the second manifold member within the second central aperture such that the second sealing member contacts an outer surface of the first male connecting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of heat exchangers disposed adjacent to the plurality of battery cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The first and second manifold members fluidly communicate with the first and second plurality of heat exchangers, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8758922B2Battery system and manifold assembly with two manifold members removably coupled together

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery system and a manifold assembly are provided. The assembly includes a first manifold member having a first tubular wall. The first manifold member further includes a first sealing member disposed on a first inner surface proximate to the first end, and a first male connecting portion extending from the second end. The manifold assembly further includes a second manifold member having a second tubular wall. The second manifold member further includes a second sealing member disposed on a second inner surface proximate to a third end, and a second male connecting portion extending from a fourth end. The first male connecting portion of the first manifold member is configured to be removably coupled to the fourth end of the second manifold member such that the second sealing member of the second manifold member contacts an outer surface of the first male connecting portion.