Overlapping Side Plate Structure for Battery Module Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in achieving easy manufacturing and sufficient rigidity, particularly in the side plates that require complex shapes to control battery cell swelling and fixation.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a pair of side plates with overlapping flange portions, coupled by laser welding, and a band member for enhanced rigidity and stability, eliminating the need for separate fixing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a side plate with complex shape is used to control battery cell swelling and fixation, then the rigidity and fixation capability are improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is divided into multiple sub-plates (first sub-plate, second sub-plate, third sub-plate) that are coupled together through overlapping flange portions. This segmentation allows each sub-plate to be manufactured separately with simpler geometry, while the assembled structure achieves the required rigidity and complex functionality for swelling control and fixation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece side plate is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the rigidity and swelling control capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-plates are merged through overlapping flange portions and coupling mechanisms to form an integrated side plate structure. This combining approach maintains manufacturing simplicity for each individual component while achieving superior rigidity and swelling control capability in the assembled structure.
3Reliability
If heavy flange portions are used for stable coupling, then the coupling stability is improved, but the weight increases reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portions are designed to overlap in a layered configuration, distributing the coupling load across multiple surfaces and dimensions. This dimensional approach provides stable coupling through the overlapping arrangement rather than relying on increased mass, thereby maintaining low weight while ensuring coupling stability.
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 design enhances rigidity, facilitates manufacturing, increases energy density, and improves swelling control by reducing the weight of flange portions, while ensuring stable coupling and effective fixation.
Implementation Method 1
coupled by laser welding
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a battery module including a side plate capable of satisfying required rigidity in performing a role of controlling swelling of a battery cell and fixing the module on the side of the battery module. A battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a module tray supporting the cell assembly; and a pair of side plates covering one side and the other side of the cell assembly, respectively, wherein at least one of the pair of side plates includes: a first sub-plate having a first flange portion protruding outward; and a second sub-plate having a second flange portion protruding outward and disposed to overlap the first flange portion and is coupled by overlapping the first sub-plate.