Rechargeable Battery Module with External Discharge Conductive Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery modules face safety concerns due to the risk of internal short circuits and ignition when conductive foreign objects penetrate, leading to inefficient voltage drop and potential ignition.
Innovation Solution
The rechargeable battery module design includes unit cells with insulation films and conductive members surrounding all sides, where the conductive members are electrically connected to the electrode terminals and have the same polarity, allowing for external short-circuiting when a foreign object penetrates, thereby discharging current externally and maintaining the state of charge in a discharged state, reducing the risk of ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unit cells are arranged adjacent to each other to form a battery module, then productivity and capacity are improved, but the risk of internal short circuits and ignition increases when conductive foreign objects penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation film is introduced as an intermediary layer between adjacent unit cells. This insulation film prevents direct electrical contact between conductive foreign objects that may penetrate one cell and the electrodes of adjacent cells, thereby eliminating the harmful ignition effect while allowing the cells to remain closely arranged for high productivity.
2Reliability
If insulation films are added between unit cells to prevent short circuits, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is merged with the existing structural components of the battery module. The insulation film is integrated into the assembly process between unit cells rather than being added as a separate complex subsystem, thereby achieving reliable short circuit prevention without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If conductive members are added to provide external discharge paths, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive members are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection for normal operation and simultaneously create controlled external discharge paths when foreign objects penetrate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
This design enhances safety by efficiently discharging current externally upon penetration, reducing the risk of ignition and maintaining the state of charge in a discharged state, thereby improving safety and preventing internal ignition.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation film on at least one side among all sides of the unit cells
Implementation Method 2
a conductive member on a side of the insulation film, the conductive member being electrically connected to the first electrode terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery module, including unit cells that are adjacent to each other, each of the unit cells being configured as a rechargeable battery and including a first electrode terminal, a second electrode terminal, and a case that is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal, an insulation film on at least one side among all sides of the unit cells, and a conductive member on a side of the insulation film, the conductive member being electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of at least one of the unit cells.