Battery Module Venting Structure for Delayed Pressure Buildup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face the risk of explosion due to increased inner pressure from heat and flame discharge during ignition, which can lead to serial ignition and accidents, particularly in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery module structure featuring a frame with a sidewall and top plate, equipped with a spring member and expansion member that delays pressure increase by expanding the inner space and directs venting upward, allowing resealing after venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a venting structure is added to reduce inner pressure, then explosion risk is reduced, but flame and heat energy can be transferred between adjacent battery modules causing serial ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the venting direction from horizontal to vertical by designing the top plate to rotate upward. This dimensional change directs the harmful venting substances (flame, heat, gas) upward away from adjacent battery modules, eliminating the serial ignition risk while maintaining pressure relief functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of venting horizontally as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the venting direction to vertical by enabling the top plate to rotate upward. This inversion ensures that the venting path directs harmful substances away from neighboring modules, solving the serial ignition problem
2Strength
If the top plate is fixed tightly to maintain sealing, then structural integrity is maintained, but pressure builds up quickly leading to explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static top plate into a dynamic component that can rotate upward when pressure exceeds a threshold. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to maintain integrity during normal operation while automatically venting when pressure builds up, preventing explosion
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is pre-loaded to apply downward force on the top plate, maintaining sealing during normal operation. When pressure builds up, this pre-loaded spring allows controlled release by enabling the top plate to rotate upward, providing preliminary preparation for safe pressure release
3Reliability
If the inner space volume is increased to delay pressure increase, then explosion time is delayed, but the battery module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic inner space volume that expands when needed. The top plate rotates upward under pressure, dynamically increasing the internal volume to delay pressure buildup and push back explosion timing, while maintaining a compact form factor when not in use
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 structure prevents or delays explosion by managing inner pressure and directing venting upward, reducing the risk of flame and heat transfer to adjacent modules and enabling resealing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member configured to apply pressure in a downward direction, the spring member configured to fix the top plate
Implementation Method 2
an expansion member provided at a portion of the top plate, the expansion member configured to expand outward in response to an increase in inner pressure to increase a volume of the inner space
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a frame having a sidewall and an open upper portion; a top plate coupled to the frame, the top plate being configured to cover the open upper portion, the frame and the top plate defining an inner space configured to receive a battery cell laminate therein; a spring member configured to apply pressure in a downward direction, the spring member being configured to fix the top plate to be in contact with an upper end of the sidewall of the frame; and an expansion member provided at a portion of the top plate, the expansion member being configured to expand outward in response to an increase in inner pressure to increase a volume of the inner space of the battery module.