Battery Module End Plate Side Plate Abutment Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery module designs face issues with the metal frame losing efficacy due to expansion forces from battery unit deformation, which leads to failure at the welding seams, and side plates tend to become rigid during deformation, lacking elastic deformation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The battery module incorporates a design with end plates and side plates connected via extending plates that abut and fix at specific positions, using sleeve members and a light-weight insulating end block, allowing partial absorption of expansion forces through side plate deformation, and features an arc-shaped transition plate for elastic deformation and improved connection strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct welding is used between end plate and side plate, then connection strength is improved, but the metal frame loses efficacy at welding seam due to expansion forces from battery unit deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into a first base plate and a first extending plate, and the side plate is segmented into a second base plate and a second extending plate. These segments can deform independently to accommodate battery expansion forces, preventing stress concentration at fixed welding seams while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extending plates are designed to be flexible and deformable rather than rigid. During battery expansion, the first extending plate and second extending plate can dynamically adjust their positions and angles, allowing the structure to absorb expansion forces without creating excessive stress at connection points.
2Strength
If side plate is made rigid for structural stability, then connection strength is improved, but the side plate cannot maintain elastic deformation ability during battery expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is divided into a rigid second base plate for structural stability and a flexible second extending plate for elastic deformation. This segmentation allows different parts of the side plate to serve different functions: the base plate maintains structural integrity while the extending plate accommodates battery expansion through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the side plate have different mechanical properties: the second base plate is designed with higher rigidity for structural support, while the second extending plate is designed with greater flexibility for elastic deformation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the side plate to simultaneously achieve both strength and adaptability.
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 reduces the failure rate of the metal frame by distributing expansion forces effectively and maintaining the side plates' elastic deformation ability, enhancing the connecting strength and stability of the end and side plates.
Implementation Method 1
the side plate includes a second base plate and a second extending plate, the second base plate extends along the thickness direction of the battery unit, the second extending plate extends out from an end of the second base plate along the width direction of the battery unit; the first extending plate and the second extending plate can be abutted with each other and fixedly connected at an abutting position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a battery module. The battery module includes a base, battery units, end plates, side plates and sleeve members; the battery units are located on the base and stacked along a thickness direction of the battery unit; the end plate is adjacent to an outermost battery unit of the battery units, the side plate is located on two sides of the battery units in a width direction; the sleeve member is connected with the end plate or the side plate, and extends toward and is fixed on the base; the end plate includes a first base plate and a first extending plate, the first base plate extends along a width direction of the battery unit, the first extending plate extends out from the first base plate along the width direction of the battery unit; the side plate includes a second base plate and a second extending plate, the second base plate extends along the width direction of the battery units, the second extending plate extends out from an end of the side plate along the width direction of the battery unit; and the first extending plate and the second extending plate are abutted with each other and fixedly connected at the abutting position. Such solution can reduce the failure rate of the metal frame.