Battery Module Heat Dissipation Member Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules require coupling members like bolts and nuts to fix heat dissipation members, which complicates the process and increases costs, while also potentially affecting the accuracy of heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design where a heat dissipation member is inserted into a case with a base plate and protrusions that snap-fit or hook into place, eliminating the need for coupling members by being supported directly by the battery cell stack and case, allowing for accurate insertion and fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coupling members such as bolts and nuts are used to fix the heat dissipation member, then the heat dissipation member can be securely fixed in contact with the battery cell, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case and heat dissipation member are merged into a single integrated structure, where the heat dissipation member is formed as an integral part of the case. This eliminates the need for separate coupling members (bolts and nuts) to fix the heat dissipation member, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure fixation through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure for the battery cells and simultaneously integrates the heat dissipation function through the built-in heat dissipation member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing both structural complexity and manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If coupling members such as bolts and nuts are used to fix the heat dissipation member, then the heat dissipation member can be securely fixed, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation member is combined with the case into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate coupling members. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining secure fixation through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed to perform both structural enclosure and heat dissipation functions through an integrated heat dissipation member. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and assembly steps, leading to lower manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable fixation without requiring additional fastening hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the heat dissipation member is inserted into the case without coupling members, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the accuracy of heat dissipation member insertion and positioning may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidinsertion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation member is integrated into the case as a single structure, eliminating the need for separate insertion and fastening operations. This integration ensures precise positioning is built into the design, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed with integrated heat dissipation features that are precisely formed during case manufacturing. This multi-functional design ensures that the heat dissipation member's positioning and orientation are determined by the case's inherent geometry, maintaining high manufacturing precision without requiring additional coupling members or complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for secure fixation of the heat dissipation member without bolts and nuts, enhancing accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs, while ensuring effective heat dissipation for battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipation member inserted into the case and supported in contact with the battery cell stack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a coolant inlet may formed at the first protrusion and connected to an inflow channel so that a coolant flows into the base plate, and a coolant outlet may be formed at the second protrusion and connected to an outflow channel so that a coolant flows out from the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3514004B1Battery module and battery pack including same
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3514004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module. The battery module includes: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked; a case configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; and a heat dissipation member inserted into the case and supported in contact with the battery cell stack.