Battery Module Impact Safety via Electrode Lead Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pouch-shaped batteries face a high risk of internal short circuits due to external impacts, which can lead to safety issues such as fires or explosions, as the mechanical strength of the sheathing member is low, allowing electrode leads to move towards the electrode assembly and potentially cause contact.

Innovation Solution

A battery module structure is designed where electrode leads protrude outside the battery case, and when external impacts occur, they deform or the adjacent module regions deform to absorb the force, preventing the electrode leads from moving towards the electrode assembly and thus avoiding short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If a pouch-shaped battery is used to reduce weight and manufacturing cost, then weight and cost are reduced, but mechanical strength decreases making the battery vulnerable to external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery weightVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushioning member positioned between the electrode lead and the electrode assembly. This cushioning member acts as a preventive measure before impact occurs, absorbing external forces and preventing the electrode lead from contacting the electrode assembly. The cushioning member is specifically designed to deform under impact, providing beforehand protection against short circuits while maintaining the lightweight pouch structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the battery module structure allows electrode leads to protrude outside for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but safety decreases as electrode leads can move towards electrode assembly under external impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidsafety against short circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushioning member as an intermediary element positioned between the electrode lead and the electrode assembly. This intermediary component serves as a mediator that absorbs external forces and prevents direct contact between the electrode lead and electrode assembly. The cushioning member maintains electrical connectivity by allowing the electrode lead to protrude while simultaneously providing safety by preventing short circuits through its cushioning action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sheathing member is made with low mechanical strength to maintain pouch shape flexibility, then flexibility is maintained, but vulnerability to external forces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouch shape flexibilityVSAvoidvulnerability to external forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member is positioned in advance within the pouch structure to provide protection against external forces. This beforehand cushioning allows the sheathing member to remain flexible and maintain pouch shape while the cushioning member prepares to absorb any external impacts that may occur, preventing the flexible structure from becoming vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively absorbs external forces through deformation of electrode leads or module regions, preventing short circuits and enhancing the safety of the battery module by restraining the movement of electrode leads towards the electrode assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the external impacts are absorbed by the deformation of the electrode leads or the deformation of predetermined regions of the module in direct contact with or adjacent to the electrode leads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS8298703B2Battery module of improved safety against external impact

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a battery module including at least one battery cell constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a battery case such that electrode leads of the electrode assembly protrude outside, wherein, when external impacts are directly or indirectly applied to the battery cell, with the result that the electrode leads move toward the electrode assembly of the battery cell, the external impacts are absorbed by the deformation of the electrode leads or the deformation of predetermined regions (‘electrode lead facing parts’) of the module in direct contact with or adjacent to the electrode leads, whereby the occurrence of a short circuit due to the contact between the electrode assembly and the electrode leads is prevented.