Battery Module Bottom Plate Segmentation for Shape Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power battery modules face challenges in maintaining shape and firm fixation of battery cells due to gas generation, leading to increased size and weight, which affects their application in hybrid and electric vehicles, and existing solutions add bulk and weight to address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a novel plate member with a pattern structure on the bottom plate, including recessed and protruding portions, which supports battery cells and allows for efficient alignment and fixation, reducing size and weight while improving manufacturing productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If structures for maintaining the shape and relative positions of the battery cells are added, then the shape stability and fixation firmness are improved, but the weight and bulk of the battery module increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom plate is segmented into a plurality of support portions that correspond to individual battery cells. Each support portion independently supports a respective battery cell, providing localized shape maintenance and fixation without requiring a heavy continuous structural framework across the entire module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cells, maintains their relative positions, facilitates heat dissipation through its conductive properties, and enables efficient manufacturing through its integrated design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall weight and bulk.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If structures for maintaining the shape and relative positions of the battery cells are added, then the shape stability and fixation firmness are improved, but the bulk and size of the battery module increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidmodule volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom plate is segmented into a plurality of support portions that correspond to individual battery cells. Each support portion independently supports a respective battery cell, providing localized shape maintenance and fixation without requiring a heavy continuous structural framework across the entire module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structures for maintaining battery cell shapes and positions are merged into the bottom plate itself rather than being separate components. This integration reduces the overall bulk and size of the battery module while achieving the same structural stability function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional battery module designs are used, then manufacturing processes are traditional, but productivity is reduced due to complex assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cells, maintains their relative positions, facilitates heat dissipation through its conductive properties, and enables efficient manufacturing through its integrated design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing assembly complexity and improving productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support structures for maintaining battery cell shapes and positions are merged into the bottom plate itself rather than being separate components. This integration reduces the overall bulk and size of the battery module while achieving the same structural stability function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2515360B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2515360B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2515360B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2515360B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A battery module including a plurality of battery cells aligned in a direction: first and second end plates respectively arranged at outer sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a bottom plate supporting bottom surfaces of the battery cells and including at least a portion including a pattern structure.