Battery Module Frame With Depressed Sides for Cell Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in effectively absorbing swelling of battery cells due to limited elasticity and increased thickness when using compression pads, leading to assembly tolerance issues and decreased elasticity over time.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a U-shaped frame with inward-depressed parts acting as an elastic member, accompanied by a thermally conductive resin layer and double-sided adhesive tape, to stabilize the battery cell laminated body and absorb swelling without increasing module volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression pad is used to absorb swelling, then swelling absorption function is provided, but the elasticity decreases over time and assembly tolerance absorption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional compression pad material to rubber material with specific physical properties (elastic modulus 0.01-10 MPa, elongation at break 100-500%). This parameter change enables the side part to maintain high elasticity over time while effectively absorbing swelling, resolving the contradiction between providing swelling absorption function and maintaining elasticity duration.
2Reliability
If a pad with sufficient elasticity is used to maintain swelling absorption, then swelling absorption is improved, but the thickness is excessively increased and module volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side part is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cell laminated body, absorbs swelling through elastic deformation, and maintains compact module volume. The rubber material enables the side part to achieve sufficient elasticity without increasing thickness, as the elastic property allows thin sections to provide adequate swelling absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The side part is designed as a thin-walled structure made of rubber material that can deform elastically. This flexible design allows the side part to absorb swelling effectively while maintaining minimal thickness, thus preventing excessive increase in module volume while providing sufficient swelling absorption capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery module includes a frame member to protect from external impact, then protection function is provided, but the internal configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective frame member with the side parts that absorb swelling into a single integrated structure. The frame member's side parts are designed to perform both protection against external impact and absorption of swelling through elastic deformation. This merging eliminates the need for separate compression pads and simplifies the internal configuration while maintaining both protection and swelling absorption functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member is designed with multi-functionality: it provides structural support, protects against external impact, and absorbs swelling through its elastic side parts. By making the frame member perform multiple functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the internal configuration while maintaining comprehensive protection and swelling absorption capabilities.
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 stabilizes swelling absorption while minimizing internal components, maintaining a compact size and improving fixing force, thus enhancing the structural integrity and durability of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
The depressed part may be formed of an elastic member in which an elastic force acts in the stacking direction of a plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 2
The battery cell laminated body may further include a double-sided adhesive tape positioned between adjacent battery cells among a plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 3
A thermally conductive resin layer positioned between the battery cell laminated body and the bottom part may be further included
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery cell laminated body in which a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode assembly are stacked; a U-shaped frame that accommodates the battery cell laminated body and has an opened upper part; and an upper plate covering the battery cell laminated body on the opened U-shaped frame, wherein the U-shaped frame includes a bottom part and two side parts facing each other, the side part includes a depressed part that is depressed inward toward the battery cell laminated body, and the area of the depressed part is equal to or larger than the area of the electrode assembly.