Battery Module Connecting Components for Energy Density

Solution Overview

Problem

The low space utilization and energy density of battery modules and packs due to the large volume and weight of conventional end plates and side plates.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that replaces conventional end plates and side plates with lighter and smaller area holding portions, using connecting components with first and second holding plates perpendicular to each other, and bundling belts for assembly, along with insulating components for thermal management and connection reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional end plates and side plates are used to fix batteries, then the batteries are securely fixed, but the space utilization and energy density are reduced due to the large volume and weight of the plates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidvolume occupied by end plates and side plates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional single plate structure into multiple small connecting components distributed at different positions. Each connecting component includes first and second holding portions that separately secure adjacent battery units, replacing the conventional end plates and side plates. This segmentation reduces the total volume occupied by fixing structures while maintaining securing reliability through distributed attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting components utilize thin plate-like structures with holding portions that provide sufficient mechanical support and securing function while occupying minimal space. These thin-film-style connecting components achieve the necessary fixing reliability without the bulk of traditional thick plates, thereby reducing the volume consumed by non-active materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional end plates and side plates are used to fix batteries, then the batteries are securely fixed, but the weight increases resulting in low energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidweight of end plates and side plates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional single plate structure into multiple small connecting components distributed at different positions. Each connecting component includes first and second holding portions that separately secure adjacent battery units, replacing the conventional end plates and side plates. This segmentation reduces the total volume occupied by fixing structures while maintaining securing reliability through distributed attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting components are designed as lightweight, simple structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. By using multiple small, simple connecting components instead of large, complex plates, the overall weight is reduced while the distributed arrangement ensures sufficient fixing reliability throughout the battery module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If traditional end plates and side plates are used, then the battery module structure is simple, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional single plate structure into multiple small connecting components distributed at different positions. Each connecting component includes first and second holding portions that separately secure adjacent battery units, replacing the conventional end plates and side plates. This segmentation reduces the total volume occupied by fixing structures while maintaining securing reliability through distributed attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting components integrate multiple functions into single elements: they provide mechanical securing through holding portions, enable bundling of battery units, and facilitate modular assembly. By combining these functions into compact, multi-functional components, the overall assembly process is simplified and accelerated compared to traditional multi-piece plate assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3726611B1Battery module and battery pack

Publication Date: 2022.07.20 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module includes: a battery unit array structure including a plurality of battery units stacked along a length direction and having two opposite end portions along the length direction and two opposite side portions along a width direction; and at least two connecting components spaced apart from each other, each of them having a first holding portion and a second holding portion. In each connecting component, the first holding portion is located at one end portion and connected to a part of the end portions, and the second holding portion is located at one side portion and connected to a part of the side portion. The holding portions have the smaller volume and weight, which can improve the energy density and space utilization of the battery module and the battery pack.