Battery Module End Plate Buffer Spacing for Expansion Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery module end plates deform under expansion forces, leading to cell management unit failures, which compromises the structural strength and energy density, particularly in high-endurance and severe operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a first and second end sub-plate with a buffer spacing, where the cell management unit is secured to the first end sub-plate, and the second end sub-plate is closer to the battery cells, allowing the second end sub-plate to absorb expansion forces, thereby protecting the first end sub-plate and extending the module's service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum alloy or stainless steel-plastic composite end plates are used, then the structural strength is improved, but the end plates deform under expansion force causing cell management unit failure
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is divided into two separate sub-plates: a first end sub-plate for bearing structural strength and a second end sub-plate for absorbing expansion force. This segmentation allows each sub-plate to perform its specific function independently, preventing the cell management unit from being affected by expansion-induced deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first end sub-plate acts as an intermediary between the cell management unit and the second end sub-plate. It provides a stable mounting surface for the cell management unit while isolating it from the expansion forces absorbed by the second end sub-plate, thus protecting the cell management unit from deformation and failure.
2Quantity of substance
If the end plate structure is optimized for energy density, then the energy density is improved, but the end plate deforms under expansion force
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the end plate into two functional sub-plates, the design achieves both high energy density and stability. The first end sub-plate maintains structural stability for mounting components, while the second end sub-plate absorbs expansion forces, allowing the overall structure to be optimized for energy density without compromising stability.
3Ease of operation
If the cell management unit is disposed on the end plate, then the cell management function is achieved, but the cell management unit is prone to failure under expansion force
Solution Approach 1:
The first end sub-plate serves as an intermediary that provides a stable platform for disposing the cell management unit. It decouples the cell management unit from the expansion forces, allowing the unit to perform its management function reliably while being protected from deformation by the second end sub-plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer spacing designed between the first and second end sub-plates provides beforehand cushioning against expansion forces. This pre-designed gap allows the second end sub-plate to absorb expansion movements before they can affect the cell management unit mounted on the first end sub-plate, preventing failure in advance.
4Reliability
If a buffer spacing is formed between the first and second end sub-plates, then the cell management unit is protected from deformation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer spacing is naturally created by dividing the end plate into two separate sub-plates with distinct functions. This segmentation approach protects the cell management unit while maintaining relatively simple individual sub-plate structures, avoiding the need for complex protective mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of energy storage devices, and in particular, to a battery module, including: a plurality of battery cells arranged sequentially; an end plate that includes a first end sub-plate and a second end sub-plate, where the first end sub-plate and the second end sub-plate are arranged in a length direction of the battery module, the second end sub-plate is closer to the battery cells than the first end sub-plate, and a buffer spacing is formed between the first end sub-plate and the second end sub-plate; and a cell management unit that is disposed on a side of the first end sub-plate facing away from the second end sub-plate. According to the battery module provided in this application, the buffer spacing disposed between the first end sub-plate and the second end sub-plate can effectively avoid deformation of the first end sub-plate under the effect of an expansion force generated by the battery cells, thereby protecting the cell management unit disposed on the side of the first end sub-plate facing away from the second end sub-plate from a failure caused by the external force. This improves the life of the cell management unit and further improves the service life of the battery module. This application further relates to a battery pack and an apparatus using a battery cell.