Battery Module Connector Breaks via Venting Gas Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face inefficiencies in space usage and increased load on microcontrollers due to the need for separate space and complex programming for fuse elements, which can fail to operate if the microcontroller is broken, leading to potential overcurrent issues.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a cell stack with a support frame and metal wire connector that uses venting gas pressure to rapidly disconnect electrical connections between battery cells when internal pressure exceeds a certain level, incorporating a sealing system and venting patterns to ensure safe discharge of gas and prevent explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fuse element with microcontroller control is used for overcurrent protection, then protection functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from a complex microcontroller-based fuse element and implements it through a simple mechanical structure. The connector is designed with a breakable connection that automatically separates when gas pressure exceeds a threshold, eliminating the need for electronic control components while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell itself serves the protection function through its gas generation mechanism. When overheating or overcurrent occurs, the battery cell generates gas that increases internal pressure, which automatically breaks the connector connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external protection circuits with microcontrollers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pouch-type battery cells are used instead of can-type, then design flexibility and volume reduction are achieved, but safety control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety control function with the pouch-type battery cell structure by integrating a breakable connector directly into the cell assembly. The connector utilizes the gas pressure naturally generated by the pouch cell during thermal runaway to trigger automatic disconnection, combining the flexibility of pouch cells with robust safety control.
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 effectively blocks current flow and prevents explosions by utilizing venting gas pressure, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of overcurrent damage, while optimizing space efficiency by eliminating the need for additional components and complex programming.
Implementation Method 1
uses venting gas pressure to rapidly disconnect electrical connections between battery cells when internal pressure exceeds a certain level
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a sealing system and venting patterns to ensure safe discharge of gas
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a cell stack including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, which are respectively have electrode leads and are stacked to face each other; a connector configured to connect the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells; and a support frame provided to at least one side of the cell stack and having a pair of lead slits at which the electrode leads are drawn and an injection slit formed at a location corresponding to the connector to give a passage through which a venting gas discharged at venting of the battery cell is injected.