Battery Module End Plate Fastening via Integrated Support Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules require large fastening portions for long bolts, increasing overall size and prolonging the working time due to complex fastening processes.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring end plates with bent portions and a support member that uses coupling protrusions and grooves for easy fastening, reducing the need for bolts and simplifying the coupling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If long bolts and fastening members are used to couple end plates, then the coupling strength is improved, but the overall size of the battery module increases and the working time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from separate long bolts and integrates it into the support member structure itself. The support member includes coupling protrusions that directly engage with coupling grooves in the end plates, eliminating the need for separate fastening members and reducing overall size while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member combines both the structural support function and the fastening function into a single integrated component. The coupling protrusions are formed as integral parts of the support member, merging the fastening function with the support structure to reduce the number of parts and overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If long bolts and complex fastening members are used to couple end plates, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the working time and complexity of the fastening process increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidworking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support member performs self-fastening through its integrated coupling protrusions that automatically engage with the coupling grooves in the end plates. This self-service fastening mechanism eliminates the need for separate fastening operations, reducing working time while maintaining reliable coupling through the interlocking protrusion-groove design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If separate fastening members are used to couple end plates, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from separate components and integrates it into the support member itself. This reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining ease of assembly through the straightforward engagement of coupling protrusions with coupling grooves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3389114B1Battery module, and battery pack comprising same

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module. The battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a plurality of end plates at least partially surrounding the battery cell stack; and a support member coupled to the plurality of end plates and supporting the plurality of end plates.