Battery Module Inter-Cell Connection Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face inefficiencies in energy volume due to the requirement of separate space for coupling electrode leads, which occupies volume and reduces energy density.

Innovation Solution

The battery module configures battery cells into two groups with electrode leads facing each other, using a connection member that allows electrode leads to be coupled to its upper and lower surfaces, eliminating the need for additional space and optimizing energy volume efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electrode leads are coupled in a separate space above or below battery cells, then the battery module can be assembled, but the energy volume efficiency is reduced due to occupied space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery module assemblyVSAvoidenergy volume efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is integrated between adjacent battery cells, merging the coupling function into the existing cell arrangement. This eliminates the need for separate coupling spaces above or below cells, as the connection member utilizes the inter-cell space, thereby maintaining manufacturing ease while improving energy volume efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode leads are configured to extend in opposite directions from adjacent battery cells and make contact with opposite surfaces of the connection member. This spatial arrangement in three dimensions allows coupling without requiring additional vertical or horizontal space, transforming the coupling approach from a separate-plane operation to an integrated inter-cell operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If battery cells are disposed side by side with electrode leads facing each other, then space utilization is improved, but the connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support between battery cells, provides an electrical connection interface for electrode leads from adjacent cells, and enables thermal management contact. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the improved space utilization, as a single component accomplishes multiple tasks.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is designed with distinct contact surfaces for electrode leads from different battery cells, segmenting the connection interfaces while maintaining a unified structure. This segmentation allows each electrode lead to be connected independently to its designated surface, reducing connection complexity while preserving efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3349269B1Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle comprising the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3349269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3349269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3349269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes battery cells having electrode leads and a connection member for connecting the battery cells, wherein the battery cells are classified into a first battery group having battery cells disposed side by side in a first direction and a second battery group having battery cells disposed side by side in the first direction so that electrode leads of the battery cells thereof face electrode leads of the battery cells of the first battery group, wherein the connection member is located between the first and second battery groups, wherein the electrode leads of the battery cells are connected to the connection member, respectively, wherein an electrode lead of any one battery cell of the first battery group is in contact with any one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the connection member, and wherein an electrode lead of a facing battery cell of the second battery group, which is located to face the any one battery cell, is in contact with the other one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the connection member.