Battery Module Fixing Plates Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules require specific side fixing members for structural integrity and heat dissipation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in high-power applications like electric vehicles where space is limited.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that eliminates the need for specific side fixing members by using upper and lower fixing plates with heat dissipation holes and vertical insulating members, allowing for effective heat dissipation and sufficient structural strength without additional side fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If specific side fixing members are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidnumber of fixing members
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the side fixing members from the battery module structure, extracting the problematic component that added complexity. The upper and lower fixing plates are designed to provide structural integrity without requiring additional side fixtures, thus simplifying the overall device while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper and lower fixing plates are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, maintain battery cell alignment, and enable heat dissipation through integrated heat dissipation holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate side fixing members, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heat dissipation structures are added to battery modules, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the existing fixing plates by incorporating heat dissipation holes directly into the upper and lower fixing plates. This integration combines structural support and thermal management into a single component, improving temperature control without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing plates serve dual purposes: providing structural integrity and enabling heat dissipation through integrated holes. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both mechanical support and thermal management needs, avoiding additional complexity from separate heat dissipation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If more fixing members are used to secure battery arrays, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery array fixationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes side fixing members from the assembly process, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The upper and lower fixing plates alone provide sufficient fixation reliability, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding fixing members to the sides of the battery array, the patent inverts the approach by using only upper and lower fixing plates to secure the battery cells. This inverted configuration maintains reliable fixation while significantly simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enables efficient heat dissipation and robust fixation of battery arrays without the need for side fixing members, enhancing performance and ease of integration in compact high-power applications.

Implementation Method 1

upper and lower fixing plates extending along a horizontal side of the battery array... having side holders vertically extending along a portion of a vertical side of the battery array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2450979B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2450979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2450979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2450979B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A battery module includes a battery array having a battery array comprising a plurality of battery cells (10) stacked together, each battery cell (10) includes a terminal surface (16) exposing an electrode terminal (11) and a vent (17), a bottom surface (15) opposite to the terminal surface (16), and horizontal and vertical side surfaces (13, 14) extending between the bottom surface (15) and the terminal surface (16); end plates (200) adjacent to outer ends of the battery array formed by the terminal surfaces (16) of the battery cells (10), the end plates (200) having electrode openings (211) exposing the electrode terminals (11); an upper and a lower fixing plate (300a-e) extending along a horizontal side of the battery array formed by outermost horizontal side surfaces (13) of the battery cells (10), the upper and lower fixing plates (300a-e) having side holders (360) vertically extending along a portion of a vertical side of the battery array formed by outermost vertical side surfaces (14) of the battery cells (10); and at least one horizontal insulating member (600a) located between adjacent ones of the stacked battery cells (10).