Rechargeable Battery Module Restricting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable battery modules and packs face challenges in securely restricting unit cells to prevent breakdown and short circuits due to environmental factors like impact, vibration, and heat, especially when unit cells are only restricted in a single horizontal direction.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery module design that includes a module frame to accommodate unit cells, a bus bar for electrical connection, and a restricting member fixed to the module frame to restrict unit cells in multiple directions, along with insulating sheets and fastening members to enhance electrical insulation and stability, and a pack frame with brackets to secure multiple modules, preventing movement and potential short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unit cells are only restricted in a single horizontal direction by the module frame, then the structure is simple, but the unit cells are not sufficiently protected from movement and short circuits under impact and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting member extends in the third direction (vertical direction) to press the unit cells from above, adding a new dimensional constraint. This transforms the restriction from a single horizontal direction to multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), preventing unit cell movement and short circuits without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting member acts as an intermediary component between the module frame and the unit cells. It is fixed to the module frame and transmits restraining force to the unit cells, providing effective restriction while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of assembly.
2Reliability
If insulating sheets are disposed between unit cells and between module frame and unit cells, then electrical insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheets perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical insulation between adjacent unit cells and between the unit cells and the module frame. This self-service approach enhances insulation without requiring separate components for each insulation function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a restricting member with fastener rib is added to press unit cells, then stability under vibration and impact is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener rib is integrated into the restricting member as a unified structure, combining the restriction function and the fastening function in a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening elements, simplifying the manufacturing process while providing effective pressing force to stabilize unit cells under vibration and impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery module includes a plurality of unit cells adjacent to each other in a first direction, each unit cell including an electrode assembly in a case, a cap plate sealing an opening of the case, and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly through the cap plate, a bus bar electrically connecting electrode terminals of unit cells adjacent in the first direction, a module frame accommodating the plurality of unit cells, the module frame including at least two sidewalls spaced apart from each other in the first direction to restrict opposite sides of the first direction, and a bottom supporting the at least two side walls, a restricting member fixed to a top of the module frame, the restricting member being spaced apart from the bottom of the module frame along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to restrict the second direction.