Stackable Battery Module Flange Venting for Compact Battery Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery module fixation methods for battery electric trucks result in a volumetric gap between stacked modules, reducing the stored energy capacity and volumetric energy efficiency due to the need to consider cell venting design in the fixation design.
Innovation Solution
A stackable battery module design that incorporates fixation and gas venting in a single configuration, where the top and bottom flanges have mounting holes and gas vents that enable fluid communication between modules, reducing the need for separate venting channels and minimizing the module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fixation and venting designs are used for battery modules, then cell venting capability is ensured, but volumetric gap between stacked modules increases, reducing volumetric energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation function and venting function into a single integrated flange structure. The flange includes both mounting holes for fixation and gas vents for venting, eliminating the need for separate fixation and venting designs. This merging of functions removes the volumetric gap between stacked modules while ensuring both secure attachment and proper gas venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fixation through mounting holes, enables gas venting through integrated vents, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate fixation and venting systems, thereby eliminating wasted space between modules.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixation is designed between module and housing, then module stability is improved, but height space between stacked modules increases, reducing volumetric energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation interface into the module-to-module connection rather than requiring a separate housing fixation system. The flange with mounting holes provides stable fixation when modules are stacked, eliminating the need for additional height space between modules for housing-based fixation systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tolerance compensating bolts are used for fixation, then assembly tolerance compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure serves as a universal component that handles both fixation and venting functions. By integrating the venting capability directly into the fixation flange, the system avoids the complexity of specialized tolerance compensating bolts while maintaining assembly flexibility and tolerance compensation through the integrated design.
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 enhances energy storage capability and volumetric energy efficiency by eliminating the volumetric gap between modules, allowing for a more compact battery stack and improved heat dissipation through integrated venting.
Implementation Method 1
The first type of gas vent is configured to enable fluid communication through the respective flange
Implementation Method 2
The second type of gas vent is configured to enable fluid communication through the side walls
Implementation Method 3
fixation is located between the modules top and bottom, via the mounting holes of the respective battery modules, i.e. module to module instead of between the module and housing
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable battery module has an enclosure formed by a top plate, a bottom plate and side walls. At least one battery cell is at least partially enclosed by the enclosure. The enclosure comprises a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange and the bottom flange extend away from the enclosure. The top flange and the bottom flange each comprises a mounting hole and a first type of gas vent. The first type of gas vent being configured to enable fluid communication through the respective flange, and a second type of gas vent is arranged at the first end and/or at the second end of the side walls. The second type of gas vent is configured to enable fluid communication through the side walls.