Battery Module Submodules via Intermediate Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules for vehicles require complex disassembly and reassembly to adapt to changing requirements, making them difficult to configure, maintain, and repair, while also lacking structural integrity due to the large number of individual cells.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with intermediate elements that divide the battery module into submodules, allowing for easy reconfiguration and maintenance, reducing the need for separate busbars and improving structural stability by electrically connecting submodules through these elements, which can also serve as cooling elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery modules are designed with a large number of individual battery cells to achieve high storage capacity, then the energy capacity is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates and the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple submodules, each containing a specific number of battery cells (e.g., 4-16 cells per submodule). This segmentation maintains structural integrity by creating manageable units while achieving high storage capacity through the combination of multiple submodules. Each submodule can be independently assembled and maintained, reducing overall system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If battery modules are designed with a large number of individual battery cells to achieve high storage capacity, then the energy capacity is improved, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the battery module into standardized submodules with consistent cell counts (4-16 cells each), the invention simplifies assembly and maintenance procedures. Technicians can work with manageable submodule units rather than handling individual cells across the entire module, reducing training requirements and assembly complexity while maintaining high storage capacity through modular scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate elements serve multiple functions: they electrically connect adjacent submodules in series, provide structural support, and enable modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both assembly and maintenance while supporting high storage capacity configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional battery module designs are used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but the ability to adapt to changing requirements and perform maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular submodule architecture enables easy adaptation to changing requirements by allowing submodules to be added, removed, or reconfigured without compromising structural integrity. Each submodule maintains consistent structural characteristics, and the standardized intermediate elements ensure that the overall module structure remains stable regardless of configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module design allows dynamic reconfiguration of submodules to meet different energy capacity requirements. Submodules can be selectively activated or deactivated, and damaged submodules can be replaced independently, providing operational flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized intermediate connection elements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional battery module designs are used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but the ease of maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing battery cells into discrete submodules connected through standardized intermediate elements, the invention enables easy maintenance and repair. Technicians can isolate and replace individual submodules without disassembling the entire battery module, reducing maintenance time and complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the robust intermediate connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular submodule design allows for easy extraction of individual submodules for replacement or inspection. Each submodule can be independently removed from the battery module by disconnecting the intermediate elements, enabling quick maintenance and repair operations without compromising the structural integrity of the remaining module.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module, in particular for a battery for driving a vehicle, having a plurality of individual stackable battery cells, and two module end plates. The battery cells are stacked and held between the two module end plates. The battery cells are electrically coupled to one another, and the two module end plates are electrically coupled to the battery cells and each have an electrical contact for connection of the battery module. The battery module has at least one intermediate element, each intermediate element being electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells. Each intermediate element divides the battery module into a plurality of submodules, and each intermediate element electrically connects the submodules. Also described is a battery, in particular for driving a vehicle, having a plurality of the abovementioned battery modules, as well as a vehicle having an electric drive and an abovementioned battery.