Battery Module Buffer Structure for Cell Swelling Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face safety issues due to cell swelling during thermal runaway or normal charging/discharging, leading to deformation and potential failure of structural components, as the swelling force is not adequately absorbed by rigid side plates.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a frame with position-limiting members to isolate cell swelling forces and buffer members to absorb displacement, including energy-absorbing members that distribute and mitigate the swelling force, thereby reducing the risk of structural failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid side plate is used to contain cells, then structural strength is improved, but the side plate cannot absorb swelling forces leading to deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the side plate into multiple components: a fixed side plate and a movable buffer member. The buffer member is segmented from the main side plate structure, allowing it to independently absorb swelling forces through movement while the fixed side plate maintains overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of side plate rigidity by introducing a movable buffer member with different mechanical properties. The buffer member has lower rigidity compared to the fixed side plate, allowing it to deform and absorb swelling forces while the main side plate retains its structural integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If cells are arranged closely to maximize energy density, then space utilization is improved, but swelling forces accumulate and exert excessive thrust on the side plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer member as an intermediary between the cells and the fixed side plate. This buffer member absorbs and dissipates the swelling forces generated by closely arranged cells, preventing force accumulation and excessive thrust on the side plate while allowing high cell density.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed single plate structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the structure cannot adapt to cell swelling leading to deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed side plate into a dynamic structure by adding a movable buffer member. The buffer member can move along the side plate to adapt to cell swelling, providing versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a modular design that builds upon the conventional fixed side plate.
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 effectively reduces excessive swelling displacement and thrust on the side plate, enhancing the safety and stability of the battery module by distributing swelling forces and preventing structural damage.
Implementation Method 1
By utilizing the elastic deformation of the buffer members to absorb the amount of swelling of the cells
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular, to a battery module and an electronic device. The battery module includes a frame, a cell, a position-limiting member, and a buffer member. A plurality of the cells are stacked in the frame in parallel. The position-limiting member is disposed in the frame, and divides the frame into a plurality of spaces for the cells being evenly arranged. A plurality of the buffer members are respectively disposed between the adjacent cells and/or between the cell and the frame.