Battery Module Fixing Holder Design for Swelling Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in achieving a slim design while preventing battery cell assembly expansion and ensuring stable fixation, as traditional screw-based solutions increase module size and may lead to deformation due to cell swelling.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring end plates with screws on one side and a U-shaped fixing holder on the other, incorporating snap protrusions and recesses for secure attachment, and protrusions to counteract cell swelling pressure, allowing for a slimmer form factor without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw members such as shoulder bolts are provided at four corners of the end plate to fixedly compress the battery cell assembly, then the battery cell assembly is securely fixed and cell swelling is controlled, but the size of the entire module increases due to the space occupied by the screw members and the screw coupling structure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into two types: screw members at four corners for secure compression, and U-shaped fixing holders at other sides for stable fixation without requiring additional screw coupling structures. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while minimizing overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
U-shaped fixing holders act as intermediary components that connect the end plate to the battery cell assembly without requiring traditional screw coupling structures. These holders provide a space-efficient mediation between the end plate and battery cells, reducing the volume occupied by fixing mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the screw member such as the shoulder bolt is provided only at a side of the end plate and a U-shaped fixing holder is provided at the other side, then the volume of the battery module is reduced, but the fixing holder is easily loosened when cell swelling occurs and fixing power is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the end plate are assigned different fixing mechanisms based on local requirements: screw members at corners where compression is needed, and U-shaped fixing holders at other sides where stable fixation is required. This local differentiation optimizes both space utilization and fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system combines two different fixing mechanisms (screw members and U-shaped fixing holders) into a composite structure that leverages the advantages of each: the compressive force of screws and the stable fixation of U-shaped holders, achieving both compact size and high fixing power.
3Volume of moving object
If a U-shaped fixing holder is used to fix the other side of the end plate with the battery cell assembly, then the screw member can be omitted from that side and volume is reduced, but the fixing holder may be deformed and fixing power is weakened when cell swelling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped fixing holder is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and adapt to cell swelling while maintaining fixation. The structure can deform elastically to accommodate swelling forces without permanent deformation or loss of fixing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing holder structure incorporates pre-designed deformation zones and stress distribution features that cushion the impact of cell swelling forces before they can cause damage or loosening. This beforehand cushioning prevents the fixing holder from being easily deformed during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a battery module including: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked with one another; end plates configured to cover front and rear portions of the battery cell assembly and to be coupled to the battery cell assembly at a side of each of the end plates; and a fixing holder configured to be mounted to a battery cell assembly at an opposite side of each of the end plates in order to at least partially cover the battery cell assembly, and to protrude from front and rear portions of the end plates.