Battery Module Side Plate Structure for Lightweight Pack Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules have a reduced energy density and increased weight due to the housing structure, which complicates handling and manufacturing processes, and hinders weight reduction and space utilization in battery packs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a simplified structure with side plates and lifting holes that allow for direct mounting to a pack tray, eliminating the need for a sealed housing, and incorporating connecting members and busbar frames for efficient energy distribution and handling, while maintaining structural integrity and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional housing structure is used to enclose battery cells, then structural integrity and protection are improved, but weight and volume increase, reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional housing structure that enclosed the battery cells, extracting only the essential protective and structural functions. The battery cells are directly mounted on the pack tray with minimal structural elements, eliminating the heavy housing while maintaining necessary structural integrity through the side plates and direct mounting approach.
2Strength
If a sealed housing structure is used, then protection and structural integrity are improved, but volume increases, reducing space utilization and energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed housing is completely removed, extracting only the essential protective functions. The battery cells are directly exposed without enclosures, eliminating the volume consumed by housing walls while maintaining protection through direct mounting and selective shielding where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing function is segmented into minimal essential components - side plates for structural support and protection, and direct mounting points on the pack tray. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complete enclosed housing, reducing volume while maintaining necessary protection.
3Productivity
If lifting holes are formed in side plates, then handling and manufacturing efficiency are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting holes in the side plates serve multiple functions: they enable handling during assembly and manufacturing, provide mounting points for structural attachment, and facilitate cooling airflow paths. This multi-functionality improves productivity without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module including a stack of a plurality of battery cells; and a first side plate and a second side plate located at opposite 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.