Battery Pack Module Separation Using Magnetic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs lack the ability to selectively separate battery modules, particularly those at risk of fire, which poses a significant risk of explosion and accident, especially in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that includes a pack case, multiple battery modules, a busbar for electrical connection, and a module holding unit with a motor and magnets to enable selective separation of abnormal battery modules. Each battery module is equipped with a sensor to monitor its state, and the controller manages the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If battery modules are fixed securely in the pack case, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to selectively separate abnormal modules is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The module holding unit employs a dynamic locking mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking member is movable between a first position (locked) and a second position (unlocked), allowing the system to adapt between securing modules firmly and enabling their selective removal based on abnormality detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the module holding unit and the battery module. It provides a controlled interface that can either secure the battery module in place or release it, enabling selective separation without compromising overall structural stability when locked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a module holding unit with moving parts is added, then selective separation capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The module holding unit is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member for securing, a driving member for actuation, and a magnetic interaction system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving selective separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a magnetic field-based actuation mechanism. The driving member utilizes magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to move the locking member, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gears, springs, or cam mechanisms while achieving reliable locked/unlocked state transitions.
3Productivity
If battery modules are tightly arranged to maximize space utilization, then productivity is improved, but the ability to access and separate individual modules is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral moving member provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing battery modules to be shifted laterally within the pack case. This enables selective access to specific modules for separation or replacement without requiring the entire pack to be disassembled, maintaining high space utilization while improving operational accessibility.
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 allows for accurate detection and separation of abnormal battery modules, preventing potential fires and explosions, thereby ensuring passenger safety in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first permanent magnet (410) mounted to the battery module (200), a second permanent magnet (420) disposed so as to face the first permanent magnet (410)... wherein the repulsive force and attractive force are alternately generated between the first permanent magnet (410) and the second permanent magnet (420)
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack is configured such that selective separation of a plurality of battery modules is possible. The battery pack includes a pack case, a plurality of battery modules received in the pack case, a busbar configured to electrically connect the battery modules to each other, and a module holding unit configured to fix the battery module to the pack case or to separate the battery module from the pack case.