Battery Module End Plate Reinforcement for Cell Swelling Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with non-uniform pressure distribution due to bending deformation of end plates during swelling, leading to performance degradation and reduced lifespan of battery cells, especially when end plate thickness is reduced for weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating reinforcing plates and pressure relief couplers to enhance bending stiffness of end plates without increasing thickness, allowing for uniform pressure application and preventing excessive pressure buildup through elongation of connection bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the end plates is reduced for weight reduction, then the weight of the battery module is reduced, but the bending stiffness of the end plates becomes insufficient, causing intense bending deformation in the central portion due to swelling force
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented by adding reinforcing ribs that divide the plate into multiple sections. These ribs are positioned to provide structural support where needed most, allowing the overall plate thickness to be reduced while maintaining bending stiffness through the distributed reinforcement structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire end plate, reinforcing ribs are strategically placed in specific locations where bending deformation is most likely to occur. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary bending stiffness only where required, minimizing overall weight while addressing the specific weakness in the central portion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the end plates have high stiffness to prevent bending deformation, then uniform pressure is maintained across battery cells, but the weight of the battery module increases due to increased end plate thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate structure is segmented with reinforcing ribs that maintain uniform pressure distribution across the battery cells without requiring a uniformly thick plate. The ribs provide localized stiffness that ensures even pressure application while keeping the overall plate thinner and lighter.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing ribs are positioned to provide stiffness exactly where needed to maintain uniform pressure distribution, rather than increasing the thickness of the entire plate. This localized approach achieves the pressure uniformity goal with minimal weight penalty.
3Reliability
If swelling absorbing pads are used to absorb deformation, then some swelling is accommodated, but when swelling exceeds the absorption capacity, volume expansion is limited by the end plates which may cause structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
Swelling absorbing pads are pre-installed between the end plates and battery cells to provide a cushioning layer that absorbs deformation during normal swelling. This beforehand cushioning protects the rigid end plates from direct contact with swelling forces, preventing structural damage while accommodating volume expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The swelling absorbing pads act as an intermediary layer between the battery cells and the end plates. These pads absorb the swelling deformation and protect the end plates from excessive stress, mediating between the expanding cells and the rigid plate structure to prevent damage.
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 reduces bending deformation and maintains uniform pressure on the cell stack, preventing performance degradation and extending the battery cell lifespan while maintaining module thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a first upper reinforcing plate and a second upper reinforcing plate located on the first end plate and respectively extending from each of two sides of the first end plate in a longitudinal direction of the first end plate toward a central portion
Implementation Method 2
a first fastening bolt located on a side of the cell stack in a longitudinal direction of the cell stack, and passing through the first upper reinforcing plate, the first end plate, the second end plate, and the first lower reinforcing plate
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of fastening bolts and hinged connection bars to manage swelling pressure effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module including: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; a first end plate and a second end plate covering a top surface and a bottom surface of the cell stack, respectively; a first upper reinforcing plate and a second upper reinforcing plate located on the first end plate and extending from both sides of the first end plate toward a central portion; a first lower reinforcing plate and a second lower reinforcing plate located on the second end plate and extending from both sides of the second end plate toward a central portion; a first fastening bolt passing through the first upper reinforcing plate, the first and second end plates, and the first lower reinforcing plate; and a second fastening bolt passing through the second upper reinforcing plate, the first and second end plates, and the second lower reinforcing plate.