Battery Module Rear Venting Structure for Thermal Runaway Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs lack effective mechanisms to prevent thermal runaway and flame propagation between modules, leading to potential fires or explosions, which can cause significant damage and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design with a module case featuring an opening/closing member that directs venting gas and flame away from critical components, utilizing a side frame, covers, and discharge paths to minimize discharge toward module terminals, and includes reinforcing structures to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a venting gate is provided to release flames or heat from the battery module, then thermal event propagation can be suppressed, but the structural stability of the battery module may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal event suppressionVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The venting gate is designed as a movable component that can open and close dynamically. During normal operation, the gate remains closed to maintain structural integrity. When thermal runaway occurs, the gate automatically opens to release flames and heat, then closes afterward to restore structural stability and prevent propagation to adjacent modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The venting gate is configured to automatically respond to thermal events without external control. The thermal expansion of components or pressure differential caused by internal heat generation triggers the gate to open, and subsequent cooling causes it to close, enabling self-regulating thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the venting gate is positioned to face the outside of the battery pack, then thermal propagation can be controlled, but the discharge of venting gas and flame may still reach critical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal propagation controlVSAvoidflame discharge to terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The venting gate is positioned asymmetrically on the module case, specifically on the rear side opposite to the module terminals. This asymmetric positioning ensures that when the gate opens, flames and venting gas are directed away from the terminals and toward the rear exterior of the battery pack, preventing damage to electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The module case structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the venting gate and the module terminals. The case design includes thermal barriers and spatial separation that prevent direct transmission of heat and flames from the venting gate to the terminals, even during thermal runaway events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4358265B1Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

A battery module configured to ensure structural stability in case of a thermal event, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising the same are provided. The battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery module configured to prevent venting gas or flame from being discharged to a front side where the module terminal is placed, and having an opening/closing member configured to discharge the venting gas or flame to the outside at a rear side; and a pack housing configured to accommodate the battery module therein.