Battery Module BMM Integration in Cell Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery systems for electric vehicles require complex and space-consuming battery management systems (BMS) that often necessitate the removal of entire modules for maintenance or replacement, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for separate holders or retainers for battery management modules (BMMs).

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that integrates BMMs within cell carriers using form-locking cell retainers, eliminating the need for separate holders and allowing for a space-saving and efficient arrangement of BMMs between battery cells, with a BMM carrier adapted to retain BMMs within adjacent cell retainers, facilitating electrical connections and easy service access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate holders or retainers are used for battery management modules, then the BMMs can be securely retained, but the device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retention of BMMVSAvoidcomplexity of separate holders/retainers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery management module retention function with the existing cell carrier structure. The cell carrier is designed to hold both battery cells and BMMs together, eliminating the need for separate holders or retainers. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining secure retention of BMMs within the battery module assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate holders or retainers are used for battery management modules, then the BMMs can be securely retained, but the space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retention of BMMVSAvoidspace consumption of separate holders
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cell carrier is designed to integrate both battery cell retention and BMM retention functions into a single structure. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the additional space that would be required for separate holders or retainers, thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining secure BMM retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell carrier is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both to hold battery cells and to retain battery management modules. This universal design allows the same structure to perform multiple functions, reducing the overall space consumption and eliminating the need for dedicated separate retention structures for BMMs.

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

3Ease of operation

If entire modules are removed for maintenance or replacement of BMMs, then the BMMs can be accessed, but the productivity and ease of maintenance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to BMM for maintenanceVSAvoidefficiency of maintenance operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the battery module with segmented or modular characteristics that allow the BMM to be independently accessed and replaced without removing the entire battery module. The cell carrier structure enables selective access to BMMs while leaving the battery cells in place, significantly improving maintenance productivity and reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cell carrier is pre-designed with features that facilitate easy access and replacement of BMMs. The structure is prepared in advance with appropriate retention mechanisms and access paths, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly service BMMs without complex disassembly procedures, thereby improving ease of operation and maintenance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4170776A1A battery module, a battery pack, an electric vehicle, a BMM carrier, a BMM arrangement and a method for assembling a battery module
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4170776A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4170776A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4170776A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to a battery module (12), comprising: a plurality of battery cells (20), at least one cell carrier (30, 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), and a battery management module, BMM, (21); wherein the at least one cell carrier (30, 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) comprises a plurality of cell retainers (31), wherein each of the cell retainers (31) is adapted for holding one of the battery cells (20) in a form locking manner; wherein the BMM (21) is arranged within at least two of the cell retainers (31).