Battery Module Fire Barrier Structure for Heat Propagation Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules face challenges in effectively delaying heat propagation between battery cells, particularly during a fire, due to insufficient performance of adhesive materials and compression pads, leading to potential ignition and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of flame-retardant members between adjacent battery cells and a fire extinguishing member on the upper portion of the cell stack, utilizing flame-retardant materials like silicone foam and extinguishing agents such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, to suppress and delay heat and flame propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive materials or compression pads are used between battery cells, then the battery cells are held together, but the heat propagation between battery cells cannot be effectively delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat propagation delayVSAvoidfire safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flame-retardant members as intermediary components positioned between adjacent battery cells. These members act as mediators that physically separate the cells and provide thermal barrier properties, preventing direct heat transfer between cells while maintaining the structural integrity of the battery module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining flame-retardant materials with adhesive properties. The flame-retardant members are configured to include both thermal insulation characteristics and bonding capabilities, creating a composite solution that simultaneously provides heat barrier functionality and mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If flame-retardant members are added between battery cells, then heat propagation is delayed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat propagation delayVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flame-retardant members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, structural support, and electrical isolation. By integrating these diverse functions into a single component, the patent reduces the need for separate elements, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive safety and structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the flame-retardant function with the structural support function by configuring the flame-retardant members to serve both purposes. This consolidation integrates safety features into the existing structural framework rather than adding separate safety components, thus minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fire extinguishing member is added on the upper portion, then flame intensity is suppressed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame intensityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fire suppression system is segmented into distributed flame-retardant members positioned between individual battery cells and a centralized fire extinguishing member on the upper portion. This segmentation allows for targeted fire suppression at multiple locations, improving effectiveness while enabling modular manufacturing and assembly processes that can control costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively prevents and delays heat and flame propagation between battery cells, enhancing safety by suppressing flame intensity and reducing the risk of ignition, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery module.

Implementation Method 1

flame-retardant members disposed between at least one pair of battery cells adjacent to each other in the battery cell stack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a fire extinguishing member disposed between the module frame and an upper portion of the battery cell stack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12573712B2Battery module and battery pack including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery module and a battery pack comprising the same are provided. The battery module includes a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack; flame-retardant members disposed between at least one pair of battery cells adjacent to each other in the battery cell stack; and a fire extinguishing member disposed between the module frame and an upper portion of the battery cell stack.