Rotatable Battery Module Frame for Cell Swelling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to swelling, which can lead to breakage, fire, or explosion due to incomplete gas removal during manufacturing or evaporation of electrolytes, especially in overcharge or overdischarge states, and there is a need for a structure that prevents such breakage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a first and second frame with a rotatable second member to accommodate swelling, allowing the frames to adaptively change and secure extra space, preventing breakage by rotating in response to increased volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid frame structure is used to accommodate batteries, then the structural stability and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but the ability to accommodate battery swelling is worsened, leading to potential battery breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid frame into a dynamic structure with rotatable members. The second frame includes a first member coupled to the first frame and a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable with respect to the first member. This rotational capability allows the frame to adapt its configuration in response to battery volume changes, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability to swelling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the geometric parameters of the frame structure to change in response to battery swelling. The rotatable members can change their angular positions and the overall frame configuration, enabling the structure to accommodate varying battery volumes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If extra space is provided to accommodate swelling, then the prevention of battery breakage is improved, but the device complexity and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing static extra space that would increase device complexity, the patent uses dynamic rotatable members that can adjust their configuration. The second member rotates in response to connection part force from battery swelling, providing adaptive space accommodation without requiring excessive initial clearance or complex additional components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable second member is introduced to accommodate swelling, then the adaptability to volume changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the second frame into separate rotatable members (first member and second member) connected through a coupling shaft. This segmentation allows each member to rotate independently, providing adaptability to volume changes while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling shaft acts as an intermediary element that enables the rotation of the second member with respect to the first member. This intermediary component facilitates the adaptive movement in response to battery swelling while maintaining a relatively simple and elegant mechanical solution without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 design effectively prevents secondary battery breakage and reduces the risk of fire or explosion by securing additional space and adapting to volume changes caused by swelling.
Implementation Method 1
a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable with respect to the first member in a direction in which the connection part applies force according to a change in volume of the plurality of batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module may include a plurality of batteries, an accommodation part formed to accommodate the plurality of batteries, a first frame formed to cover an upper portion of the accommodation part and support a busbar electrically connected to the plurality of batteries through a connection part, and a second frame formed to cover a lateral portion of the accommodation part and coupled to the first frame. The second frame may include a first member coupled to the first frame, and a second member coupled to the first member to be rotatable with respect to the first member in a direction in which the connection part applies force according to a change in volume of the plurality of batteries.