Battery Module Elastic Support for Fire Containment and Gas Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems face challenges in preventing the propagation of fire from a faulty battery cell or module to adjacent cells or modules, and efficiently venting gases to maintain safety.

Innovation Solution

A battery system with elastic parts made of fire-resistant materials, supported by caps, is installed between the pack casing and battery modules, allowing smooth gas venting and preventing flame propagation by maintaining pressure even in high-temperature conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fastening structures are used to secure battery modules, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to vent gases smoothly during thermal runaway is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidgas venting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic part is designed to dynamically adjust its pressing force based on operational conditions. During normal operation, it maintains stable contact between the battery module and pack casing. During thermal runaway, it allows relative movement to enable gas venting while fire-resistant caps contain the flame propagation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between structural stability and gas venting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic part with fire-resistant cap acts as an intermediary element between the battery module and pack casing. It mediates between the need for stable structural contact and the requirement for gas venting pathways, allowing both functions to coexist by providing controlled compliance while maintaining fire containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If fire-resistant materials are used for caps, then flame propagation prevention is improved, but the elastic part's ability to maintain pressure under high temperature is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame propagation preventionVSAvoidpressing force maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic part is constructed as a composite structure combining elastic material with fire-resistant cap materials. This composite design allows the elastic component to provide pressure while the fire-resistant cap maintains structural integrity and prevents flame propagation at high temperatures, resolving the contradiction between flame prevention and pressure maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is segmented into fire-resistant material portions and elastic material portions, allowing each segment to perform its specialized function. The fire-resistant segments contain flames while the elastic segments maintain pressing force, solving the contradiction through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If battery cells are densely packed to improve energy density, then space utilization is improved, but heat dissipation and fire containment capabilities are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic part with fire-resistant cap provides localized fire containment and heat management at critical interfaces between battery modules. This local quality enhancement allows dense packing elsewhere in the pack while maintaining safety zones where thermal runaway could occur, resolving the contradiction between energy density and heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system effectively prevents fire propagation and smoothly vents gases, enhancing overall safety by ensuring the battery system's stability and integrity during thermal runaway events.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part installed between the pack casing and the battery module and configured to press the battery module based on the pack casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an end supported on the pack casing or the battery module by means of a cap made of a fire resistance material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a cap made of a fire resistance material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat resistance: Refractory Material

Data Source

PatentEP4661188A1Battery system and vehicle including same
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4661188A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661188A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4661188A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed are a battery system and a vehicle including the same, the battery system including a battery module, a pack casing in which the battery module is installed, and an elastic part installed between the pack casing and the battery module and configured to press the battery module based on the pack casing, the elastic part having an end supported on the pack casing or the battery module by means of a cap made of a fire resistance material.