Battery Module Side-Plate Lifting Structure for Housing-Free Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules and packs face challenges in increasing energy density and reducing weight due to the weight of the housing structure, which is inefficient and increases the overall weight and volume of the housing structure, which is inefficient and increases the overall weight of the battery module, which is not optimized for space utilization and handling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design with a simplified structure that includes side plates with lifting holes and connecting members, allowing for direct integration into a pack tray without a module housing, enhancing energy density and reducing weight by optimizing space utilization and handling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a module housing structure is used to house and seal battery cells, then structural integrity and sealing are improved, but weight and volume increase, reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbattery module weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional module housing structure from the battery module design. Instead of enclosing battery cells in a separate housing, the cells are directly mounted on a support plate within a pack tray, eliminating the housing weight and volume while maintaining structural integrity through the support plate and side plate configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a module housing structure is used to house and seal battery cells, then structural integrity is improved, but volume increases, reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbattery module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the module housing from the design, allowing battery cells to be directly mounted on a support plate within a pack tray. This removal of the housing structure significantly reduces the volume occupied by the module while maintaining necessary structural support and sealing functions through alternative configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If conventional battery module structure with housing is used, then structural support is provided, but weight increases and energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional module housing that provides structural support, replacing it with a simplified configuration where battery cells are directly mounted on a support plate with side plates for sealing. This extraction of the housing structure reduces weight while maintaining necessary structural support through the support plate and cell arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the module housing with the pack tray and support plate structure. The support plate serves both as a mounting surface for battery cells and as a structural support element, while the side plates provide both sealing and structural functions, eliminating the need for a separate housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If battery modules are designed with housing structure, then sealing and protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the module housing from the design, eliminating the manufacturing steps and complexity associated with producing and assembling a separate housing structure. The sealing and protection functions are achieved through the support plate and side plate configuration, which can be manufactured and assembled more simply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Strength

If traditional module housing is used, then structural support is provided, but handling efficiency during transfer is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidhandling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the structural support function from the enclosing housing, using a support plate with battery cells directly mounted. This segmentation allows for easier handling and transfer of the battery module assembly, as the simplified structure without a bulky housing can be more easily manipulated and positioned during manufacturing and installation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4300686B1Battery module and battery pack including the same
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4300686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4300686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4300686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a first side plate and a second side plate each located at both side surfaces of the battery cell stack. At least one lifting hole is formed in each of the first side plate and the second side plate. The lifting hole has a shape in which an insertion hole and a fastening hole overlap, and an opening area of the insertion hole is larger than an opening area of the fastening hole.