Battery Module Cell Detector Layout for Clear Venting Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in thermal stability, assembly complexity, and space efficiency due to the size of the Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU) and interference with the venting path during thermal runaway, which increases assembly difficulty and cost.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design with a cell detector located in a first area outside the side cover, supported by a protruding support portion, and connected via a flexible connection member, allowing for wireless communication with a controller, which can be easily assembled by relocating the cell detector from a second area above the battery cells to the first area, reducing interference with venting paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cell detector is located in the second area above the battery cells, then it is easy to assemble, but it interferes with the venting path during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the cell detector from a vertical position (second area above battery cells) to a lateral position (first area outside side cover), changing the spatial dimension of installation. This dimensional shift allows the detector to be positioned away from the thermal runaway venting path while maintaining assembly simplicity through the side cover's integrated support portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover is segmented with a protruding support portion that extends into the accommodation space to hold the cell detector. This segmentation allows the detector to be independently positioned in the first area, separating it from the venting hole path while maintaining structural integration with the side cover.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cell detector is located in the first area outside the side cover, then it minimizes interference with gas discharge paths, but it increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion for the cell detector is merged with the side cover structure, forming an integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or fastening mechanisms, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the detector's safe position in the first area away from venting paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover's protruding support portion provides self-positioning and self-supporting functionality for the cell detector. The support portion is designed to automatically guide and hold the detector in the correct location during assembly, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps.
3Reliability
If wireless communication modules are added to the CMU for wireless connection, then thermal stability is improved, but the size of the battery pack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cell detector is extracted from the CMU and positioned separately in the first area outside the side cover. This extraction allows the CMU to maintain a compact size while the detector is positioned away from thermal runaway paths. The wireless communication module can be integrated into the compact CMU without the added bulk of a larger integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell detector is relocated to a lateral position outside the side cover rather than being integrated vertically with the CMU. This spatial separation allows independent optimization of both components - the CMU can remain compact for wireless communication while the detector is positioned in the optimal location for thermal safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an assembling method of the battery pack. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a predetermined stacking direction, a busbar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, a sensor electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells through the busbar, and a cell detector measuring voltages or currents in the plurality of battery cells by the sensor, wherein the cell detector is arranged in a first area provided on a side of the plurality of battery cells.