Battery Module With Integrated Connection Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules for large-sized devices face challenges in achieving a compact structure with high structural stability, efficient heat dissipation, and simplified assembly, particularly in limited spaces like vehicles, due to complex mechanical fastening, electrical connections, and the need for extensive cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a unit cell assembly with plate-shaped battery cells connected in series, integrated coolant channels, and a simplified sensing assembly with hexahedral support parts and conductive sensing parts to facilitate easy installation and reduce internal resistance, while using cell covers for mechanical protection and a hexahedral stack structure for compact and stable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are electrically connected in series to provide high power and large capacity, then the power and capacity requirements are met, but the system size increases due to the need for multiple mechanical fastening and electrical connection members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical fastening and electrical connection functions into a single integrated member. The connection member includes a body portion that mechanically fastens adjacent battery cells together and an extension portion that provides electrical connection between the cells, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners and electrical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mechanical fastening element and an electrical conductor. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the battery module while maintaining both structural integrity and electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical fastening and electrical connection members are used to connect battery cells, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but the total size of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member integrates mechanical fastening and electrical connection into a single component, reducing the space required for multiple separate members. The body portion provides mechanical attachment while the extension portion provides electrical connection, both within the same spatial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion of the connection member is positioned within or adjacent to the body portion, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the connection members while maintaining both mechanical and electrical functions.
3Temperature
If a flow channel is added to dissipate heat from battery cells, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the size of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves dual functions: mechanical/electrical connection and heat dissipation. The extension portion not only provides electrical connection but also acts as a heat dissipation element by conducting heat away from the battery cell terminals, eliminating the need for separate cooling channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation function is merged with the electrical connection function. The extension portion of the connection member conducts heat from the battery cell terminals while simultaneously providing electrical connectivity, combining thermal management with electrical connection in a single component.
4Reliability
If sensing assemblies and cooling systems are added to monitor and cool battery cells, then safety and performance are improved, but the assembly process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member integrates multiple functions including mechanical fastening, electrical connection, and heat dissipation into a single component. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining safety and performance monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member serves multiple purposes: structural support, electrical connectivity, and thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies assembly procedures while ensuring safe and efficient battery module operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a battery module including (a) a unit cell assembly including two or more battery cells or unit modules connected to each other in parallel or in series, (b) a left case coupled to a left side of the unit cell assembly, the left case being provided at a left outer side thereof with a first fastening groove extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the battery module such that a sensing assembly is fastened into the first fastening groove, the left case being provided at opposite ends thereof with second fastening grooves formed parallel to a height direction of the battery module, and (c) a right case coupled to a right side of the unit cell assembly, an external input and output terminal being oriented to a front of the battery module, the right case being provided at a right inner side thereof with a plurality of fixing grooves formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the unit cell assembly such that the unit cell assembly is fastened and fixed into the fixing grooves.