Battery Module Partition Wall Structure for Cell Swelling Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module structures face challenges in effectively absorbing volume expansion due to battery cell swelling and facilitating the insertion of battery cell stacks, leading to potential damage and increased complexity in handling as the number of cells increases.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a partition wall assembly with insertion slits and connectors between unit stacks, allowing for absorption of swelling and easy insertion, while also incorporating handling holes for improved handling, all formed from metal materials for enhanced rigidity and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of battery cells is increased to secure capacity, then the capacity of the battery module is improved, but the volume increment due to swelling increases and the force applied to the module housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple unit stacks, each containing a subset of battery cells. Partition wall assemblies are inserted between these unit stacks to locally manage swelling forces. This segmentation allows the swelling force to be distributed and absorbed in smaller increments rather than acting on the entire module housing at once, resolving the contradiction between increasing cell quantity and managing the resulting swelling force.
2Strength
If the thickness of the module housing is increased to withstand swelling force, then the strength of the module housing is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of accommodating the battery cell stack increases
Solution Approach 1:
Partition wall assemblies serve as intermediary structures inserted between unit stacks of battery cells. These partition walls absorb the swelling force locally, acting as a mediator between the battery cells and the module housing. This eliminates the need to increase the thickness of the entire module housing for strength, as the partition walls handle the swelling force absorption, thereby maintaining housing simplicity while providing necessary strength.
3Reliability
If a swelling absorbing pad is applied between adjacent battery cells, then the volume expansion due to swelling is absorbed, but the ease of operation in inserting the battery cell stack into the module housing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall assemblies are designed with flexible properties that allow them to dynamically adapt to the swelling of battery cells. The partition walls can elastically deform to accommodate volume changes while maintaining their structural integrity. This dynamic behavior enables the partition walls to absorb swelling forces effectively while still allowing for relatively easy insertion of the battery cell stack, as the partition walls can adjust during the insertion process rather than requiring excessive force or complex alignment.
4Reliability
If the thickness of the stack including battery cells and swelling absorbing pad is increased, then the swelling absorption capability is improved, but the ease of operation in accommodating the stack in the module housing deteriorates and the battery cells may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick swelling absorbing pad that would increase the overall stack thickness and make insertion difficult, the swelling absorption function is segmented into multiple thinner partition wall assemblies distributed between unit stacks. This segmentation maintains effective swelling absorption capability while keeping the overall stack thickness manageable, thereby preserving ease of operation during insertion and reducing the risk of damage to battery cells.
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 solution effectively absorbs volume expansion, simplifies the insertion process, and enables easier handling of the battery module despite increased weight and cell count, reducing the risk of damage during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one partition wall assembly located parallel to each of the plurality of battery cells, and located between adjacent unit stacks and deformed due to volume expansion due to swelling of the plurality cells to absorb the swelling
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit stacks each including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing accommodating the cell stack therein and including a plurality of insertion slits respectively formed in a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one partition wall assembly located parallel to each of the plurality of battery cells, and located between adjacent unit stacks and deformed due to volume expansion due to swelling of the plurality battery cells to absorb the swelling, and having both upper and lower end portions inserted and fixed into the plurality of insertion slits.