Battery Pack Module Support Structure for Swelling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pouch-type secondary batteries face limitations in maximizing energy density and require complex structures with multiple fastening members and buffer pads, restricting the number of battery cells that can be mounted in a module.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring a pack frame with elastic support portions and side plates that securely hold battery modules without additional fastening members, utilizing elastic support to stabilize and minimize swelling, and reducing the need for buffer pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fastening members (bolts) are used to fix battery modules to the battery pack, then the battery module is securely fixed, but fastening space is required and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side plate integrates multiple functions: it serves as both the battery module housing and the fastening structure. The through-holes in the side plate allow direct insertion of fastening members, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cells, serves as a mounting surface, and incorporates through-holes for fastening. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the battery pack assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple buffer pads are placed on battery cells to prevent swelling, then cell swelling is prevented, but the number of battery cells that can be mounted in one module decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswelling preventionVSAvoidnumber of battery cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer pads are integrated into the side plate structure rather than being separate components placed on each cell. This consolidation reduces the total number of buffer pads needed while maintaining swelling prevention functionality, thereby allowing more battery cells to be mounted in each module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing buffer pads on all battery cells, the integrated buffer pads in the side plate provide localized support at critical positions. This targeted approach maintains effective swelling prevention while minimizing the number of buffer pads required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a complex fastening structure with multiple components is used, then the battery module is securely fixed, but energy density is reduced due to increased non-active material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The side plate combines the housing structure and fastening mechanism into a single integrated component. This reduces the amount of non-active material (separate fasteners, mounting brackets, etc.) in the assembly, thereby increasing the proportion of active battery materials and improving overall energy density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for a simpler structure with increased energy density by accommodating more battery cells per module, while effectively suppressing swelling and minimizing the number of buffer pads.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic support portion coupled to the pack frame in the front-rear direction of the cell stack to press at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4318764B1Battery pack and vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4318764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack according to the present disclosure includes a pack frame; and at least one battery module provided inside the pack frame and including a cell stack and an elastic support portion coupled to the pack frame in the front-rear direction of the cell stack to press at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack.