Battery Module Cover Frame for Cell Inflation Pressure Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules and packs suffer damage due to increased internal pressure as battery cells inflate, leading to potential damage of the cover frame and battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a cover frame with elastic deforming portions that absorb the pressure from inflated battery cells, preventing damage by allowing the cover frame to deform and extend in the inflating direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional rigid cover frame is used to accommodate battery cells, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the cover frame and battery cells are damaged when the battery cells are inflated due to increased internal pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The cover frame transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure with elastic deforming portions that can adapt to the inflating battery cells. The elastic deforming portions allow the cover frame to flex and deform along the inflating direction, absorbing the internal pressing force while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover frame incorporates regions with changed mechanical parameters - specifically, elastic deforming portions with reduced stiffness compared to the main body. These portions are designed to deform under pressure, changing the local rigidity parameter to accommodate cell expansion while the rest of the frame maintains its strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cover frame is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the manufacturing precision and assembly ease are improved, but the cover frame cannot accommodate the volume expansion of inflated battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The cover frame is segmented into different functional regions: rigid portions for structural support and assembly precision, and elastic deforming portions for accommodating cell expansion. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover frame have different mechanical qualities - the main body maintains high rigidity for structural integrity, while specific localized regions have reduced stiffness to allow elastic deformation. This local quality differentiation enables the frame to provide both precision and adaptability.
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 effectively manages the internal pressure of the battery module, reducing the risk of damage to both the cover frame and battery cells, thereby enhancing the module's durability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the cover frame being deformed along an inflating direction of the plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are inflated
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells stacked on each other; a pair of end plates provided at both sides of the battery cell assembly; and a cover frame coupled to the pair of end plates to cover the battery cell assembly, the cover frame being deformed along an inflating direction of the plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are inflated.