Battery Module Blocking Member Partitioning Thermal Runaway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face the risk of thermal runaway due to uncontrolled heat propagation between battery cells, which can lead to dangerous events such as gas transfer and explosions.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that includes blocking members to partition and separate battery cells, with a fixing portion to secure the blocking members and form an airtight space, and venting holes to discharge gas externally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If battery cells are intensively accommodated inside the module housing to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat propagation risk increases and thermal safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidheat propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module partitions the intensive battery cell arrangement into segmented zones using blocking members. These blocking members divide the module into multiple regions, creating thermal barriers that segment heat propagation paths while maintaining high cell density within each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Blocking members are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent battery cells. These intermediaries act as thermal barriers that intercept and block heat transfer, preventing direct heat propagation from one cell to another while allowing the cells to remain closely packed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If blocking members are added to partition and separate battery cells to prevent thermal runaway, then thermal safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal safetyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they partition cells for thermal isolation, provide structural support for the module housing, and serve as mounting fixtures for securing cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking members are integrated with the module housing structure, combining the partitioning function with the structural framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate partition components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining thermal safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If blocking members are securely fixed to form airtight spaces for preventing gas transfer, then thermal safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas containmentVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking members utilize flexible sealing surfaces that can conform to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. This flexibility compensates for minor dimensional deviations, maintaining effective sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates clearance gaps and compression-based sealing mechanisms that accommodate manufacturing variations before assembly. The sealing effect is achieved through pre-compression of sealing surfaces, which compensates for dimensional tolerances and ensures gas containment without requiring high assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Effectively prevents or delays thermal runaway by securely partitioning battery cells, ensuring safe discharge of high-temperature gas or flame, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one blocking member configured to partition the plurality of battery cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

venting holes to discharge gas externally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas discharge:

Data Source

PatentEP4651286A1Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a plurality of battery cells; at least one blocking member configured to partition the plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and the blocking member; and a fixing portion provided on one side of the module case and configured to fix the blocking member.