Battery Module Case with Bulging Pressing and Reinforcing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in effectively removing gas from the power generating element due to insufficient stiffness of the case, which hinders the efficient pressing and gas expulsion process.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a housing with a pair of cases and reinforcing members, including a bulging portion, first extension portion, inclined portion, and second extension portion, which deformably press the individual cells while improving the stiffness of the case, allowing for effective gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the stiffness of the case is increased, then the pressing force on individual cells is improved, but the ability to flexibly press the power generating element portion in accordance with gas pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a rigid portion and a flexible portion, allowing different regions to serve different functions. The rigid portion provides overall structural strength and stiffness, while the flexible portion can deform to accommodate gas pressure changes and maintain contact with the power generating element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the case have different mechanical properties. The rigid portion has high stiffness to provide structural support, while the flexible portion has low stiffness to allow deformation and adaptive pressing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall stiffness and local flexibility.
2Productivity
If the case is made more flexible, then the gas removal efficiency is improved, but the overall structural strength and stiffness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into functional zones: the flexible portion directly contacts the power generating element to enable gas removal through adaptive pressing, while the rigid portion provides structural support. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of gas removal efficiency and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The case employs a composite structure combining rigid and flexible materials or regions. This composite design enables the case to exhibit both flexibility (for gas removal) and structural strength (for overall support) within a single integrated component.
3Ease of manufacture
If the case structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to provide both stiffness and flexibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid and flexible portions are merged into a single integrated case structure rather than separate components. This merging reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the functional benefits of both rigid and flexible regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the rigid portion provides structural support and stiffness, while the flexible portion enables adaptive pressing and gas removal. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single case design, reducing the need for additional components.
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
The design enables sufficient pressing of individual cells while enhancing the stiffness of the case, ensuring effective gas expulsion and maintaining performance by deformably supporting the bulging portion and reinforcing the case structure.
Implementation Method 1
there are cases in which gas is generated in the power generating element accompanying charge/discharge
Implementation Method 2
The bulging portion is formed so as to be curved and to protrude toward the individual cells, and presses the individual cells
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(B)
AI summary
[Object] To provide a battery module that is capable of pressing individual batteries sufficiently while improving the stiffness of the case. [Solution] Each of the individual cells 110 of the battery module 100 comprises a power generating element 10 sealed by a cladding material. A battery module housing 120 is provided with a pair of cases 121 and reinforcing members 122, 123. The pair of cases sandwich the individual cells from two sides in the stacking direction Z. The reinforcing member 122 is formed so as to have a plate shape, and is joined to at least one of the cases 121 of the pair to reinforce the case 121. A bulging portion 121a of the case is formed so as to be curved and protrude toward the individual cells and press the individual cells. A first extension portion 121b of the case is formed so as to extend from the outer periphery of the bulging portion in a direction that intersects with the stacking direction. An inclined portion 121c of the case is formed so as to extend from the outer periphery of the first extension portion while bending toward the individual cells. A second extension portion 121d of the case extends from the outer periphery of the inclined portion along a direction that intersects with the stacking direction and is joined to the reinforcing member.