Battery Module Bolting Structure for Cell Swelling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules have complex and time-consuming assembly processes due to the use of buffer pads and pressurizing end plates for cell swelling control, and they are difficult to disassemble for follow-up management.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a module case with a first and second cover plate, where bolting members with different diameters and thread directions are used to secure the battery cell assembly, eliminating the need for additional components like buffer pads and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If buffer pads and pressurizing end plates are added for cell swelling control, then cell swelling control is improved, but device complexity and assembling time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell swelling controlVSAvoidassembling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cell swelling control function into the module case structure itself by designing the second cover plate with a curved surface that directly presses the battery cells. This eliminates the need for separate buffer pads and pressurizing end plates, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cell swelling control through the integrated structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If welding is used to package the module case, then sealing and structural integrity are improved, but ease of disassembly and follow-up management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule case sealingVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the module case into a first cover plate, second cover plate, and side plates connected by groove and protrusion structures. This modular segmentation allows the case to be assembled and disassembled without welding, maintaining sealing through the groove-protrusion interfaces while enabling easy disassembly for follow-up management and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple additional components are added for cell swelling control, then cell swelling control is improved, but assembling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell swelling controlVSAvoidassembling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the module case structure: the curved second cover plate provides both structural closure and cell pressing function, while the groove-protrusion connections provide both assembly guidance and structural integrity. This integration eliminates multiple additional components and simplifies the assembling process, improving productivity while maintaining reliable cell swelling control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3522255B1Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3522255B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3522255B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3522255B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a battery cell assembly having at least one battery cell, a module case configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and including a first cover plate for covering one side of the battery cell assembly and a second cover plate for covering the other side of the battery cell assembly, and at least one bolting member integrally fastened through the first cover plate and the second cover plate of the module case, so that a portion of the bolting member fastened to the first cover plate and a portion thereof fastened to the second cover plate have different diameters.