Battery Module Frame Member for Compact High-Strength Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face challenges with low mechanical strength, increased size due to packaging, and complex assembly processes, which can lead to safety issues and short circuits, especially when dealing with pouch-shaped batteries made of laminate sheets.

Innovation Solution

A frame member structure comprising a lower-end frame with a groove for coupled electrode terminals, an upper-end frame with protruding input/output terminals, and a side frame for sealing parts, integrated with detection terminals to simplify assembly and prevent short circuits, while enhancing mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If pouch-shaped batteries made of laminate sheets are used to reduce weight and manufacturing cost, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but mechanical strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery weightVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining pouch-shaped batteries with a rigid frame member. The frame member provides mechanical strength while the pouch-shaped batteries maintain their lightweight characteristics. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both weight reduction and sufficient mechanical strength by leveraging the advantages of different material types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If detection means are added to monitor battery operation, then safety and operational control are improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and operational controlVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means are integrated into the frame member structure rather than being added as separate components. The frame member incorporates terminals and detection elements that monitor battery operation directly, merging the structural support function with the detection function. This integration simplifies assembly by reducing the number of separate parts and connection steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple wires and connection components are used for detection means, then monitoring capability is improved, but the risk of short circuits and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from separate wire-based connections and integrates it directly into the frame member structure. The frame member includes built-in terminals and detection elements that contact the battery terminals directly, eliminating the need for multiple external wires and connection components. This reduces short circuit risks by minimizing connection points and simplifying the electrical pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP1982365B1Frame member for fabrication of battery module
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP1982365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1982365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1982365B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a frame member for fabrication of a battery module including two battery cells, each of which has electrode terminals formed at upper and lower ends thereof, as unit cells. The frame member includes a lower-end frame having a groove, into which lower electrode terminals of the unit cells are inserted while the lower electrode terminals of the unit cells are coupled with each other, the lower-end frame being constructed such that lower-end sealing parts of the unit cells are mounted to the lower-end frame, an upper-end frame constructed such that upper-end sealing parts of the unit cells are mounted to the upper-end frame, and external input and output terminals, which are connected to upper electrode terminals of the unit cells, protrude from the outer surface of the upper-end frame, and a side frame connected between the lower-end frame and the upper-end frame, the side frame being constructed such that one-side sealing parts of the unit cells are mounted to the side frame.