Battery Module With Tube-Type Unit Case for Direct Electrical Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules have complex structures and high material costs due to separate bus bars for welding, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, and they lack effective cooling and impact protection.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring cylindrical can-type secondary batteries housed in a tube-shaped unit case with direct electrical connections and a module case made of conductive materials, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced cooling through direct heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional circular secondary batteries are applied with separate bus bars for welding, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unit case is designed to integrate both mechanical support and electrical connection functions. The unit case directly contacts the electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells, eliminating the need for separate bus bars. This merging of structural and electrical functions simplifies the overall structure and manufacturing process while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate protection plates are provided for battery cells, then protection against external impacts is achieved, but material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against external impactsVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The unit case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the battery cells against external impacts, structural support for the module assembly, and electrical connection between adjacent cells. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection plates, reducing material usage and cost while maintaining protection capabilities.

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

3Temperature

If conventional battery module structure is used, then battery cells are protected, but cooling efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unit case integrates thermal management functionality into its structural design. By making the unit case from thermally conductive material and positioning it in direct contact with battery cells, it serves as both structural support and heat dissipation pathway, eliminating the need for separate cooling structures while improving cooling efficiency.

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

This design simplifies the manufacturing process, improves energy density, and enhances cooling efficiency while providing protection against external impacts, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective battery module.

Implementation Method 1

a tube-type unit case having a hollow formed therein; a plurality of battery cells configured in a can-type secondary battery form, located in the hollow of the unit case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3367463B1Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3367463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3367463B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3367463B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module. The battery module includes: one or a plurality of unit modules; and a module case having an accommodation space therein in which the plurality of unit modules are placed, wherein the unit module includes: a tube-type unit case having a hollow formed therein; a plurality of battery cells configured in a can-type secondary battery form, located in the hollow of the unit case, disposed side by side along a length direction thereof and electrically connected to each other; and an electrode lead having a positive electrode lead located at one side of the unit module and a negative electrode lead located at the other side of the unit module.