Battery Module Sliding Coupling for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing middle- or large-sized battery modules are cumbersome and inefficient to assemble and disassemble, requiring additional mechanical and electrical connection members that increase size and complexity, making them unsuitable for compact spaces like vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A battery module with a sliding coupling structure where plate-shaped secondary battery cells are stacked between upper and lower cases with integrated circuit units for electrical connection and control, allowing for compact design and easy assembly/disassembly using sliding grooves and protrusions for mechanical coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional mechanical coupling members and electrical connection members are used to ensure stable assembly of battery cells, then the reliability of the battery module is improved, but the device complexity increases and the total size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions into a single integrated structure. The upper and lower plates serve dual purposes: providing mechanical support and coupling between battery cells while simultaneously incorporating electrical connection terminals that establish electrical contact with the battery electrodes. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical couplings and electrical connectors, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining both mechanical stability and electrical reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper and lower plates are designed as multi-functional components that perform multiple roles: structural support, mechanical coupling between cells, electrical connection, and positioning. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring both mechanical and electrical functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional mechanical coupling members and electrical connection members are used to ensure stable assembly of battery cells, then the reliability of the battery module is improved, but the volume of the battery module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging mechanical coupling and electrical connection into the upper and lower plates, the patent eliminates the space required for separate coupling members and electrical connectors. The integrated design allows these functions to be performed within the existing structural envelope of the battery module, preventing volume increase while maintaining assembly stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional upper and lower plates consolidate multiple components into single elements, reducing the overall volume required for mechanical support and electrical connection. This universal design ensures that the same structural components perform both mechanical and electrical functions without requiring additional space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If a compact structure is adopted to reduce the size of the battery module, then the volume is reduced, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery module into separable upper and lower plate assemblies that can be independently handled during assembly and disassembly. The sliding coupling mechanism allows these segmented components to be easily connected and disconnected along predefined guides, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding coupling mechanism introduces dynamic movement capability to the compact structure, allowing the upper and lower plates to slide relative to each other during assembly and disassembly. This dynamic feature enables easy operation within the constrained compact volume by providing guided movement paths that simplify the coupling process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If sliding coupling structure is used to reduce assembly complexity and size, then the device complexity is reduced and volume is reduced, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding coupling structure provides controlled dynamic movement within defined guides, allowing easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural stability when engaged. The guides constrain the movement to precise paths, ensuring that the compact structure remains stable during operation while enabling simplified assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2064758B1Battery module, and middle or large-sized battery pack containing the same
Publication Date: 2014.09.03 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP2064758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2064758B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2064758B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a battery module constructed in a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped secondary battery cells ('battery cells'), which can be charged and discharged, are sequentially stacked on a lower plate, and an upper plate is coupled to the uppermost battery cell, wherein the plates are provided at the top and bottom and/or the right and left sides thereof with a sliding coupling structure, and the battery module is provided at the front thereof with grips, and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a plurality of battery modules.