Battery Module Folding and Hermetic Case Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery configurations require a support member to prevent displacement of the power-generating portion, leading to an increased battery size.
Innovation Solution
A battery design where a group of cells is covered by an insulating external material, folded at the connection area of conductive members, and housed in a hermetically sealed case with extraction electrodes closer to the top face, reducing the length of connecting members and eliminating the need for additional support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support member is used to hang the winding, then the power-generating portion is prevented from displacing, but the battery size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function into the case structure itself by designing the case to directly contact and support the winding at multiple points (side surfaces, end surfaces, and bottom surface). This integration eliminates the need for separate support members while maintaining position stability and avoiding increased battery size.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only houses the winding but also provides structural support, positioning, and stabilization. The case's internal structure is configured to contact the winding at multiple locations, making the case a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated support members.
2Power
If the number of cells is increased to improve power output, then the power capability increases, but the connecting member length and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges cells in a two-dimensional array configuration (2x2 grid) rather than a linear sequence. This spatial arrangement allows connecting members to connect adjacent cells in parallel, significantly reducing the required length of connecting members while maintaining high power output capability through increased cell count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an even number of cells (specifically 4 cells arranged as 2x2) to enable symmetric parallel connection configurations. This allows connecting members to be optimally positioned to connect adjacent cells, minimizing connecting member length while maximizing power output through parallel connections.
3Measurement precision
If voltage detecting portions are provided for each connecting member, then voltage monitoring is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connecting member to serve multiple functions: it not only electrically connects adjacent cells but also acts as a voltage detection terminal. The connecting member is configured to allow voltage detecting portions to contact it, enabling voltage monitoring of connected cells through the same component that provides electrical connection, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage detection function into the existing connecting member structure. Instead of adding separate voltage detecting portions for each cell connection, the connecting member itself is used as the contact point for voltage detection, combining the electrical connection and voltage measurement functions into a single integrated solution.
Data Source
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AI summary
[PROBLEM] To prevent displacement of a power-generating portion in a case while avoiding an increased size of a battery. [SOLVING MEANS] A battery includes a power-generating portion provided by covering cells with an insulating external material, and a case having a hermetically sealing structure to house the power-generating portion, wherein the case has an internal pressure higher than an external pressure. The power-generating portion may be a battery module provided by covering a group of batteries with the external material, the group of batteries including the arranged cells. The battery module may be housed in the case such that the battery module is folded at an area where a conductive member connecting adjacent ones of the cells is located. A coolant passage may be provided in which a coolant is passed along a face of the case closest to the conductive member. [SELECTED DRAWING] Fig. 4