Battery Module Vent Plate Structure for Chain Explosion Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery modules face the challenge of chain explosions occurring in neighboring battery cells when one cell explodes, due to the propagation of flames and high-temperature gas, which is not effectively mitigated by existing potting technologies that are costly and can cause side explosions.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery module design that includes battery cells with ventholes, a first holder supporting one side, a second holder supporting the other side, and a first plate with a hooking piece protruding from the inner wall surface to block explosion pressure, flames, and debris, using an elastic material to limit the discharge of the electrode assembly during an explosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If potting technology is used to cover the positive electrode with foamed urethane or silicone material, then the battery cell is protected from air and moisture and chain explosion is reduced, but the processing cost increases and the vent opening may be blocked causing side explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive potting materials with a simple cap assembly structure that includes a vent opening and blocking member. This disposable-style protective structure provides adequate protection without the high cost of foamed urethane or silicone materials, directly addressing the technical contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential protective function from the complex potting material system and isolates it into a separate cap assembly with vent opening and blocking member. This allows the protective function to be maintained while eliminating the costly potting material application process and its associated manufacturing complexities.
2Reliability
If potting material is used to protect the battery cell, then chain explosion is reduced, but the vent opening may be blocked causing side explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking member as an intermediary element within the vent opening that prevents direct blockage by protective materials. This mediator allows the vent to remain functional while preventing the harmful effect of material accumulation that could cause side explosions, resolving the contradiction between chain explosion prevention and side explosion risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protective system into distinct functional components: the cap assembly for protection, the vent opening for gas release, and the blocking member to prevent obstructions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, eliminating the side explosion risk while maintaining chain explosion protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple holder structure is used to support battery cells, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to limit electrode assembly discharge during explosion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the cap assembly: it provides structural support for the battery cell, maintains the vent opening for gas release, and includes a blocking member to contain electrode assembly discharge during explosions. This multi-functional design achieves reliable electrode containment without adding complex separate structures, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and reliability.
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
Effectively reduces or prevents the likelihood of secondary explosions in adjacent battery cells by limiting the discharge of the electrode assembly, enhancing the stability of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
The hooking piece is configured to limit discharge of the electrode assembly in a battery cell explosion, and includes an elastic material configured to be deformed upwardly by a discharge pressure of the electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery module is disclosed. A rechargeable battery module comprise: battery cells provided with a venthole; a first holder that supports the battery cells by accommodating one sides of the battery cells; a second holder that supports the battery cells by accommodating the other sides of the battery cells and is coupled to the first holder; a first plate that is provided at one side of the second holder and comprises an outlet formed at a position corresponding to a venthole of each of the battery cells, and a hooking piece protrudes in a diameter direction of the outlet from an inner wall surface of the outlet; and a second plate that is provided at one side of the first plate to block an explosion pressure, flames, and debris discharged through the venthole and the outlet.