Battery Module Electrode Lead Fastening Structure Without Bus Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery module structures require expensive metal bus bars and welding equipment for electrical connections between battery cells, leading to high costs and equipment investment.

Innovation Solution

A battery module structure that omits the metal bus bar by directly connecting electrode leads through a fastening bar frame and fastening bar, allowing for stable electrical connections without welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bus bar formed of metal material is used for electrical connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the bus bar component from the battery module structure, extracting the expensive metal material while maintaining electrical connection functionality through direct electrode lead contact. This eliminates the need for separate bus bars and reduces manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the electrode leads themselves, eliminating the need for separate bus bar components. The electrode leads are designed to make direct contact with each other, combining the functions of current conduction and structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If welding equipment is used for connecting electrode leads to bus bar, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but equipment investment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidequipment investment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the welding process and welding equipment from the manufacturing system. Instead of welding electrode leads to bus bars, the design enables direct mechanical and electrical contact between electrode leads, eliminating the need for welding equipment investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode leads are designed to self-connect through direct contact with each other within the battery cell holder structure. The connection is achieved through the inherent structural arrangement of the leads rather than requiring external welding equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If bus bar frame with fixed structure is used, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex bus bar frame structure with its lead slits and fixed portions. The electrical connection function is achieved through a simpler arrangement where electrode leads directly contact each other within the battery cell holder, eliminating the need for a separate bus bar frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery cell holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the battery cells in position and simultaneously provides the electrical connection structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bus bar frame components, reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4057437B1Battery module having improved electrode lead connection structure, and battery pack and vehicle including same
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4057437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4057437B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4057437B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells each including a pair of electrode leads; a fastening bar frame including a pair of lead slits through which electrode leads of adjacent battery cells are drawn out; and a fastening bar including an insertion slit through which a pair of electrode leads passing through the pair of adjacent lead slits pass, the fastening bar being coupled to the fastening bar frame.