Battery Module Elastic Side Support for Cell Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in preventing battery cell swelling due to inadequate absorption of deformation during charging and discharging, leading to module deformation and increased complexity in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring an exterior member that surrounds the battery cell stack with an elastic member between the exterior member and the lateral sides, effectively absorbing expansion and contraction forces, thereby preventing swelling and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If compressive pads are attached to lateral sides of battery cell stack and pressing process is applied, then battery cell deformation is restrained, but manufacturing process becomes complicated and production line complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressing function from a separate manufacturing process step and integrates it into the module frame structure itself. The elastic members are pre-installed on the lateral sides of the module frame, providing continuous pressing force without requiring external compressive pads or separate pressing operations during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are designed to automatically exert pressing force on the battery cells through their inherent elasticity. As the battery cells expand or contract during charging and discharging, the elastic members self-adjust to maintain appropriate contact pressure, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional pressing mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If compressive pad is used to press battery cell stack, then battery cell deformation is absorbed, but compressive pad may be permanently deformed when excessively large reaction force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the pressing element from a rigid compressive pad to an elastic member with appropriate elasticity. This elasticity allows the member to deform reversibly under load, absorbing excessive reaction forces from battery cell expansion without permanent deformation, while still maintaining effective restraint on normal cell deformation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery cell is repeatedly expanded and contracted during charging and discharging, then battery operation is enabled, but module frame deformation occurs if deformation is not sufficiently absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are pre-installed on the lateral sides of the module frame to provide cushioning support before battery cell deformation occurs. These members continuously absorb the expansion and contraction forces during charging and discharging cycles, protecting the module frame from deformation while enabling sustained battery operation.
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
The solution effectively prevents battery cell swelling, enhances dimensional stability, and simplifies the manufacturing process by minimizing the need for separate pressing steps, while also improving cooling performance and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the exterior member and the lateral side of the battery cell stack
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; an exterior member configured to surround front and rear sides and two opposite lateral sides of the battery cell stack; a sensing block positioned at front and rear sides of the battery cell stack; and an elastic member disposed between the exterior member and the lateral side of the battery cell stack.