Battery Module Partition Walls for Cell Swelling Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules struggle to effectively absorb volume expansion due to swelling of battery cells, making it difficult to insert the battery cell stack into the module housing without damaging the cells or the housing.
Innovation Solution
A battery module structure featuring a partition wall assembly with insertion slits and connectors, which absorbs swelling by elastic deformation and facilitates easy insertion of unit stacks into the module housing, while also allowing for easier handling of the module due to exposed handling holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of battery cells is increased to secure capacity, then the capacity 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. This segmentation allows the swelling force to be distributed across multiple smaller stacks rather than concentrated in one large stack, reducing the force applied to the module housing while maintaining total capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A swelling absorbing partition wall assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between unit stacks. This partition wall absorbs the swelling force through elastic deformation, preventing the force from being transmitted to the module housing, thus protecting the housing from excessive force while allowing high cell density.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a swelling absorbing pad is applied between adjacent battery cells, then the swelling is absorbed, but the process of accommodating the stack in the module housing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to deform flexibly during the accommodation process. This flexibility enables the partition wall to be compressed during stacking and then expand to its original shape, facilitating easy accommodation of the battery cell stack in the module housing while maintaining effective swelling absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can adapt its shape during assembly. The elastic partition wall can be compressed during the stacking process and then returns to its original configuration, making the accommodation process easier while continuously providing swelling absorption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the stack including battery cells and swelling absorbing pad is increased, then the swelling absorption capacity is improved, but the process of accommodating the stack becomes more difficult and battery cells may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire stack, the elastic partition walls are strategically positioned between unit stacks where swelling occurs. This localized approach provides effective swelling absorption at critical points without increasing the overall stack thickness, facilitating easier accommodation while preventing cell damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The swelling absorption mechanism is shifted from the thickness dimension to the lateral dimension between unit stacks. The elastic partition walls absorb swelling forces horizontally between stacks rather than requiring increased vertical thickness, enabling effective swelling absorption with minimal impact on stack accommodation ease.
4Strength
If the thickness of the module housing plate is increased to withstand swelling force, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and size of the battery module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic partition wall acts as an intermediary that absorbs swelling forces internally, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the module housing. This eliminates the need to increase housing plate thickness for strength, maintaining lightweight construction while providing adequate structural strength through the partition wall's elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic partition walls are pre-installed between unit stacks to provide cushioning against swelling forces before the battery cells are fully assembled and activated. This beforehand cushioning protects the module housing from excessive forces, allowing the use of thinner, lighter housing plates while maintaining structural integrity.
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 proposed solution effectively absorbs volume expansion caused by battery cell swelling, simplifies the insertion process of the battery cell stack, and enables easier handling of the battery module despite increased weight and size.
Implementation Method 1
a partition wall assembly (300) located between adjacent unit stacks (110A, 110B) of the cell stack (100)... capable of absorbing swelling of the battery cell (111)
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure 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.