Battery Module Vent Duct for Compact Gas Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary battery modules used in electric vehicles face challenges in minimizing size while efficiently releasing gases, particularly in confined spaces, where degassing issues can occur.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a secondary battery unit with arranged batteries, a compression plate, insulation cover, duct, and vent hole member to guide gases efficiently out of the module, along with a fixing cover unit and busbar holder for secure positioning and electrical connectivity, enhancing gas release and minimizing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If secondary batteries are arranged in various configurations to minimize module size, then the module size is reduced, but gas release efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidgas accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into multiple battery packs with predetermined intervals between them, creating segmented spaces that allow for effective gas venting while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The insulation cover is also segmented with multiple ducts positioned to serve different battery packs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ducts are introduced as intermediary structures that connect the safety vents of battery packs to the external environment. These ducts serve as dedicated gas transport channels that efficiently remove gases without requiring additional space for gas accumulation areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If batteries are positioned close together to minimize size, then space utilization improves, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Battery packs are segmented with predetermined intervals between adjacent packs, creating thermal management zones that facilitate heat dissipation while maintaining compact module dimensions. The barriers within the insulation cover further segment the space to enhance airflow and heat removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a compression plate is used to secure batteries in limited space, then mounting stability improves, but electrical contact risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery positioningVSAvoidelectrical contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulation cover made of electrically insulating material is introduced as an intermediary structure between the compression plate and the battery terminals. This cover provides mechanical support and positioning stability while simultaneously preventing electrical contact between the conductive compression plate and battery terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation cover performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, maintains mechanical compression, positions battery packs, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulating components.

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

4Productivity

If safety vents are left exposed for gas release, then gas venting efficiency improves, but electrical contact risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas release efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation cover with integrated ducts performs multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation around the safety vents, maintains structural integrity, and creates dedicated gas transport channels. This allows safe and efficient gas venting without exposing terminals to electrical contact risks.

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

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 efficient gas release and stable positioning of battery cells, minimizing the module's size while preventing electrical contacts and volumetric expansion, ensuring effective heat dissipation and secure mounting in limited spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a duct connected to the safety vent to guide gases exhausted from the safety vent to move to a first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow guidance:

Implementation Method 2

a compression plate wrapping an exterior portion of the secondary battery unit in a band shape and compressing the secondary battery unit with a predetermined pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

an insulation cover covering the electrode terminals and the safety vent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation:

Implementation Method 4

a fixing cover unit positioned between the secondary battery unit and the compression plate and covering the secondary battery unit to fix positions of the plurality of secondary batteries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical positioning:

Data Source

PatentEP3054500B1Battery module with hole vent part
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3054500B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3054500B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3054500B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A battery module is provided including a secondary battery unit having a plurality of secondary batteries, the plurality of secondary batteries each including electrode terminals and a safety vent which are arranged on one side of the secondary battery unit; a compression plate wrapping at least a portion of the secondary battery unit and compressing the secondary battery unit together; and an insulation cover covering the electrode terminals and the safety vent, the insulation cover including a duct connected to the safety vent to guide gases exhausted from the safety vent to a first location, and a vent hole member coupled to the duct at the first location.