Battery Cell Insertion Structure for Thermal Runaway Gas Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery assemblies face challenges in preventing the spread of thermal runaway, as high-temperature gas generated during thermal runaway can escape and propagate through empty spaces, increasing fire damage and reducing safety.

Innovation Solution

A battery assembly design that includes an insertion member with a support body and rib portion to form buffer spaces, which are filled with fire-resistant materials, to contain and divert high-temperature gas generated during thermal runaway, thereby delaying its propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If empty space is provided between battery cells for assembly and thermal expansion, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but thermal runaway propagation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidthermal runaway propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fire-resistant insertion member is placed as an intermediary substance in the empty space between battery cells. This insertion member serves as a mediator that blocks the propagation path of thermal runaway while accommodating thermal expansion, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member creates a fire-resistant inert environment in the empty space between battery cells. By filling the void with fire-resistant material, the propagation path for thermal runaway is blocked, converting the harmful empty space into a protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If fire-resistant insertion member is added to block thermal propagation, then safety and heat resistance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal runaway resistanceVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks thermal propagation, accommodates thermal expansion, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member utilizes materials with specific parameters (fire resistance, thermal stability) to achieve thermal runaway resistance. By changing the material parameters of the insertion member, high reliability is achieved without requiring complex structural designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If buffer space is created to contain high-temperature gas, then thermal propagation is delayed, but volume of battery assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal propagation delayVSAvoidbattery assembly volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire-resistant insertion member is locally placed in the empty space between battery cells where thermal propagation occurs. This localized approach provides thermal propagation delay functionality only where needed, rather than increasing the overall volume of the entire battery assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member is designed as a simple, fire-resistant component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Its primary function is to provide thermal protection during critical events, and it can be replaced if necessary, making it a cost-effective solution for volume-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 and delays the spread of high-temperature gas, enhancing the stability and safety of the battery assembly by increasing heat and fire resistance, thus improving the overall performance and reducing the risk of explosions.

Implementation Method 1

an insertion member (270) located in the insertion space (288)... the insertion member (270) may include a fire-resistant material... to prevent or delay high-temperature gas generated in a battery cell... from escaping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250246722A1Battery assembly and assembling method of the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly including a plurality of battery cells staked and arranged in a predetermined stacking direction, an accommodation case accommodating the plurality of battery cells, an insertion space formed between the plurality of battery cells and the accommodation case in the stacking direction, and an insertion member located in the insertion space, wherein the insertion member includes a support body forming the buffer space, and a rib portion dividing the buffer space into a plurality of divided spaces.