Battery Module Casing Fixation via Support Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules face thermal damage and difficulty in replacing or repairing damaged cells due to welding, which complicates maintenance and increases the risk of process defects.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that fixes the casing using a support member instead of welding, allowing for easy separation and replacement of damaged cells, thereby preventing thermal damage and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding is used to fix the casing, then the casing is securely fixed to protect internal components, but thermal damage occurs to the battery cell due to heat generated from welding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing fixation strengthVSAvoidthermal damage to battery cell

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using support members that have protrusions fitting into grooves. This substitution eliminates heat generation while maintaining secure fixation of the casing to the battery cell, thereby preventing thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If welding is used to fix the casing, then the casing is securely fixed, but it becomes difficult to remove the casing for replacement or repair of damaged battery cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing fixation strengthVSAvoidease of removing casing for battery cell replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection between casing and battery cell into discrete, separable components: support members with protrusions that fit into grooves. This segmentation allows the casing to be securely fixed during operation while enabling easy separation by simply removing the support members, facilitating battery cell replacement or repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If welding process is used, then the casing is fixed securely, but the assembly process becomes complex and prone to process defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing fixation strengthVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex welding process with a simple mechanical insertion process where support members with protrusions are placed into grooves on the battery cell. This eliminates the need for specialized welding equipment, reduces process steps, and removes the risk of welding-related defects while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3340340B1Battery module and battery pack including same

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 LG CHEM LTD

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AI summary

A battery module is provided. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module may include: a cartridge assembly including a plurality of cartridges, each receiving a battery cell; a casing surrounding the cartridge assembly; and a support member configured to enclose the casing for supporting the casing.