Battery Module Air Inlet with Pressure-Actuated Opening Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-output rechargeable battery modules used in electric vehicles face cooling efficiency issues due to increased volume and power consumption from cooling fans, which can lead to adverse reactions and reduced lifespan from heat retention, and potential combustion or explosion risks.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring an air inlet with a selectively controllable opening/closing member based on external air flow pressure, combined with liquid inhibition means using air-permeable members and a cover to prevent liquid ingress, allowing for efficient cooling without additional air blowers, and an electric vehicle configuration with the air inlet oriented to harness movement-generated air pressure for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling fan is installed in the battery module housing, then cooling capability is improved, but volume of the battery module increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing member automatically opens when air flow pressure from outside the housing acts on it, enabling passive cooling without requiring an active fan or motor. The system uses natural air flow pressure to drive the opening mechanism, eliminating the need for additional power consumption while maintaining cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the cooling fan from the system entirely, replacing it with a passive opening/closing member that responds to air flow pressure. This extraction of the active cooling component eliminates the associated volume increase and power consumption while achieving the same cooling effect through natural convection
2Temperature
If an opening/closing member is added to control air inlet, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing member is designed to automatically respond to air flow pressure without requiring external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The mechanism self-regulates based on natural physical forces, improving cooling efficiency while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic or mechanical control systems with a simple pressure-responsive opening/closing member. The natural air flow pressure directly actuates the mechanism, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control circuits that would increase device complexity
3Temperature
If air inlet is opened for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but liquid ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air permeable member acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the battery module interior. It allows air molecules to pass through for cooling while blocking liquid droplets, thus enabling heat dissipation while preventing liquid ingress through the air inlet
Solution Approach 2:
The air permeable member is a porous material with controlled pore sizes that permit gas molecules to pass through while blocking larger liquid droplets. This porous structure enables selective permeability, allowing air flow for cooling while preventing liquid penetration into the housing
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
Enhances cooling efficiency while reducing the risk of adverse reactions and power consumption, maintaining battery performance and safety by utilizing natural air flow for cooling, thus preventing overheating and potential hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the opening state of the air inlet is selectively controlled by an opening/closing member based on air flow pressure from outside the housing acting on the opening/closing member
Implementation Method 2
The liquid inhibition means comprises at least one air permeable member disposed over at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module comprising: at least one rechargeable battery unit; a housing for housing the at least one rechargeable battery unit, the housing having an air inlet for passage of air into the housing, wherein the air inlet is provided with an opening/closing member for selectively controlling an opening state of the air inlet based on air flow pressure from outside the housing acting on the opening/closing member.