Battery Module Compression Structure for Cell Swelling and Plate Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules face challenges in improving battery cell performance and effectively controlling cell swelling, which can lead to performance degradation and structural risks due to expansion.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a battery cell assembly supported by a base plate and covered by a cover plate, with an elastic bead unit and compression pads to manage cell expansion, including a contact plate, elastic deformation units, and side beams to distribute pressure and absorb swelling forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to configure a battery pack, then the output voltage and charge/discharge capacity are improved, but the risk of cell swelling and structural damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing an elastic bead unit between the cover plate and battery cell assembly. This elastic component is pre-positioned to absorb expansion forces before they can cause structural damage. The elastic bead unit acts as a preventive measure that cushions against cell swelling, thereby maintaining structural integrity while allowing high power battery configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic bead unit serves as an intermediary element between the battery cells and the cover plate. It mediates the interaction between expanding cells and the rigid cover structure, transforming harmful expansion forces into manageable elastic deformation. This intermediary component protects the overall structure while enabling high-voltage battery packs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If pressing force is applied to the battery cell to improve performance, then the lifespan is improved, but cell swelling control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidcell swelling

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing static pressing force with a dynamic elastic response system. The elastic bead unit can adapt its pressing force based on real-time cell expansion, providing continuous contact pressure to maintain lifespan while automatically adjusting to accommodate swelling. This dynamic system resolves the contradiction between maintaining lifespan through pressure and allowing necessary expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structure is used to prevent cell expansion, then structural stability is improved, but the battery module cannot accommodate cell swelling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidswelling accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using an elastic bead unit that can deform to accommodate cell swelling. This elastic component maintains structural stability through its controlled elasticity while simultaneously adapting to volume changes of the battery cells. The flexible nature of the elastic bead allows the rigid cover plate to coexist with swelling cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If elastic deformation unit is introduced to control swelling, then cell expansion is managed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswelling controlVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a simple elastic bead unit that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The elastic component is a relatively simple element compared to complex active control systems, providing swelling control through passive elastic deformation. This approach achieves reliable swelling management with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 battery cell performance by controlling both reversible and irreversible deformations, minimizing the risk of structural damage to the base and cover plates during cell swelling, thereby improving overall battery pack reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic bead unit disposed between the cover plate and the battery cell assembly... including a contact plate, elastic deformation units, and side beams to distribute pressure and absorb swelling forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230282923A1Battery module, battery pack including battery module, and vehicle including battery pack

Publication Date: 2023.09.07 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery module includes a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked on each other, a base plate configured to support a lower side of the battery cell assembly, a cover plate spaced apart from the base plate and configured to cover an upper side of the battery cell assembly, and an elastic bead unit disposed between the cover plate and the battery cell assembly.