Battery Module Hold-Down Strip for Cell Expansion Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules suffer from insufficient structural stability due to the use of thick and heavy end-side plates or lightweight designs, leading to irreversible expansion and deformation, affecting the cycle life of the battery module.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating two end plates and at least one hold-down strip, where the cells are arranged in a specific direction, and the hold-down strip includes a body and connecting components that movably abut against the end plates, providing enhanced constraint and adjustable preload force to improve structural stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If thick and heavy end-side plates are used to improve structural stability, then the constraint effect is enhanced, but the weight and complexity of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate structure is segmented into a thin end plate and a separate hold-down strip assembly. The hold-down strip acts as an independent constraint component that can be optimally designed for strength without adding excessive weight to the end plate itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down strip incorporates a movable connecting component that can dynamically adjust to cell expansion forces. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to varying loads and maintain optimal constraint without requiring excessive static strength, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining stability.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight end plate designs are used to reduce weight, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural stability and constraint effect deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the constraint function into a dedicated hold-down strip assembly, the end plate itself can be designed as a thin, lightweight component. The hold-down strip compensates for the reduced weight by providing concentrated constraint forces where needed, maintaining overall structural stability without requiring a heavy end plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down strip provides localized constraint quality enhancement at critical positions where cells need support. Instead of uniformly increasing the weight and thickness of the entire end plate, the constraint strength is concentrated locally where it is most needed, achieving stability with minimal weight addition.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed constraint structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to cell expansion and preload adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting component of the hold-down strip is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to cell expansion forces. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing the adaptability needed for preload adjustment and response to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down strip assembly is pre-configured with adjustable connecting components that can be set to provide appropriate preload forces before battery operation. This preliminary setup allows for adaptability to different cell types and expansion characteristics without complicating the manufacturing process during battery assembly.
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 enhances the structural stability and reliability of the battery module by improving constraint effects and allowing for flexible adjustment of preload force, minimizing expansion and deformation, thereby ensuring better cycle life and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting component movably abuts against a side of one of the two end plates away from the cell group
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module includes a plurality of cells, two end plates, and at least one hold-down strip; the plurality of cells are arranged sequentially in a first direction to form a cell group; the two end plates abut against two ends of the cell group, respectively; and the hold-down strip abuts against the cell group, the hold-down strip includes a hold-down strip body and a connecting component, the hold-down strip body extends in the first direction, the connecting component is connected to an end of the hold-down strip body in the first direction, and the connecting component movably abuts against a side of one of the two end plates away from the cell group.