Battery Module Matching Structure for Cooling Path Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery modules for large-sized devices or vehicles face challenges in achieving high cooling performance and light weight while maintaining effective coupling strength to prevent leakage in the cooling path, especially when using composite materials with heterogeneous components.

Innovation Solution

The battery module design incorporates a module housing with a main edge part surrounding an accommodation space, featuring a first plate with a matching structure that includes holes, protruding portions, or an uneven pattern to enhance coupling strength and prevent leakage, along with a second plate forming the other side of the cooling path, using composite materials like metal and resin for improved heat conduction and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If composite materials including heterogeneous materials are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but coupling strength between materials deteriorates leading to potential leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidcoupling strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a matching structure with different properties at different locations of the heterogeneous materials. The matching structure includes a first portion and a second portion with different geometries that interlock to provide enhanced coupling strength at the interface between heterogeneous materials, while the bulk materials maintain their lightweight properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining heterogeneous materials (different material types) to achieve both weight reduction and improved coupling strength. The matching structure facilitates the bonding of these heterogeneous materials through complementary geometric features that enhance mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If cooling path is implemented for high cooling performance, then cooling performance is improved, but leakage risk increases due to weak coupling between components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The matching structure applies local quality by concentrating the coupling enhancement at the critical interface regions where leakage could occur. The first and second portions of the matching structure are positioned to provide localized reinforcement exactly where the cooling path sealing is most vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The matching structure employs curved or inclined interfaces between the first and second portions, creating tapered or rounded transition zones that improve stress distribution and sealing effectiveness in the cooling path, reducing leakage risk while maintaining cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Weight of moving object

If heterogeneous materials are used to achieve light weight, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to coupling challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The matching structure is designed and prepared in advance as an integral part of the heterogeneous material components. The first and second portions are formed during the molding or fabrication process, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly operations to ensure proper coupling between heterogeneous materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The matching structure merges the coupling function with the structural components themselves. Rather than adding separate fastening or bonding mechanisms, the first and second portions are integrated into the design of the heterogeneous material components, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves high cooling performance, light weight, and enhanced coupling strength, reducing the risk of leakage and improving thermal management in battery modules for large devices or vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first plate including a first edge part coupled to the main edge part and a first exposure part exposed from the main edge part and defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the accommodation space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the accommodation space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4024571A1Battery module
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4024571A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024571A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4024571A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery module includes: a battery assembly; a main housing comprising a main edge part surrounding an accommodation space in which the battery assembly is located; a first plate comprising a first edge part coupled to the main edge part and a first exposure part exposed from the main edge part and defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the accommodation space; and a second plate facing the first plate and defining an other side of the cooling path, wherein a matching structure with the main edge part is formed at the first edge part.