Battery Module Cover Member for Electrode Lead Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules are vulnerable to thermal events, leading to potential thermal runaway and increased risk of fire or explosion due to uncontrolled flame and gas propagation, especially in high-density battery packs used in electric vehicles, where thermal events can cause significant property damage and endanger human life.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a cover member adhered to the electrode leads, made of an adhesive material, which covers and protects the electrode leads from flame and gas discharge, preventing internal short circuits and thermal runaway propagation by controlling the direction of venting gas and flame, and eliminating the need for a separate insulating cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plastic insulating covers are used to secure insulation between electrode leads and module case, then electrical insulation is achieved, but the covers are vulnerable to flame and melt during thermal events, failing to protect electrode leads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the insulating cover from conventional plastic to a flame-retardant material that can withstand high temperatures during thermal events, thereby maintaining both electrical insulation and thermal resistance properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material structure for the insulating cover that combines electrical insulation properties with flame-retardant characteristics, creating a multi-functional protective component that addresses both electrical and thermal safety requirements
2Productivity
If a large number of battery cells and modules are concentrated in narrow spaces to increase output and capacity, then energy density is improved, but the risk of thermal chain reaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into spatial segments using insulating covers and structural partitions that create physical barriers between adjacent battery cells, thereby segmenting the potential thermal runaway propagation path while maintaining high cell density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating covers as intermediary components between battery cells and electrode leads, which act as protective mediators that prevent direct contact and thermal transfer between adjacent cells, thereby reducing chain reaction risk without reducing capacity
3Ease of operation
If electrode leads are located in wide spaces within battery cells, then ease of assembly is improved, but flame or venting gas may be intensively introduced to these areas, causing thermal runaway of other cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local protective quality to the electrode lead areas by positioning insulating covers specifically at locations where electrode leads are vulnerable to flame and gas exposure, thereby providing targeted protection without affecting overall assembly ease
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
The design enhances safety by preventing internal short circuits and thermal runaway propagation, maintaining electrical insulation, and reducing the risk of fire or explosion, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery module and adjacent modules.
Implementation Method 1
a battery module design featuring a cover member adhered to the electrode leads, made of an adhesive material
Implementation Method 2
covers and protects the electrode leads from flame and gas discharge, preventing internal short circuits and thermal runaway propagation by controlling the direction of venting gas and flame
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a battery module configured to improve safety when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. A battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other through an electrode lead; a module case accommodating the cell assembly in an internal space; and a cover member adhered to a side portion of the cell assembly in which the electrode lead protrudes in the internal space of the module case.