Battery Module Coupling Parts for Creepage Distance

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing battery pack production methods incur high costs and time due to the need for additional insulating members to create a sufficient creepage distance, which is essential for preventing sparking, and often result in a non-flat bottom surface of the module case.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a metallic pack case with coupling parts of specific shapes on the module cases that fit together to create a predetermined creepage distance, reducing the need for additional insulating members and allowing for efficient assembly and cost reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulating members are attached to create sufficient creepage distance, then sparking prevention is improved, but production cost and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesparking preventionVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating case integrates both structural support and insulation functions into a single component. The case is formed from insulating material that simultaneously provides mechanical containment for battery cells and electrical insulation to maintain creepage distance, eliminating the need for separate insulating members and reducing production steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating case acts as an intermediary component between the battery cells and the外部环境, providing both physical protection and electrical insulation. The case material itself serves as the insulating medium that creates the required creepage distance without requiring additional insulating attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If insulating members are attached to create sufficient creepage distance, then sparking prevention is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesparking preventionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating case integrates both structural support and insulation functions into a single component. The case is formed from insulating material that simultaneously provides mechanical containment for battery cells and electrical insulation to maintain creepage distance, eliminating the need for separate insulating members and reducing production steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating case performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for battery cells, maintains electrical insulation for sparking prevention, and creates the required creepage distance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated insulating components, reducing overall production cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If insulating members are attached to create sufficient creepage distance, then sparking prevention is improved, but module case flatness is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesparking preventionVSAvoidmodule case flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating case integrates both structural support and insulation functions into a single component. The case is formed from insulating material that simultaneously provides mechanical containment for battery cells and electrical insulation to maintain creepage distance, eliminating the need for separate insulating members and reducing production steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating case is designed with differentiated regions: some areas provide insulation and creepage distance while other areas are optimized for structural support and flat surface contact. This local quality differentiation allows the case to maintain flatness for proper assembly while still providing sufficient insulation where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11688911B2Battery module and battery pack

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Provided are a battery module and a battery pack, i.e., a battery module in which a coupling part is provided so that a creepage distance having a predetermined length is formed in a module case surrounding a battery cell having a side-arranged structure and a battery pack.