Battery Module Venting Structure for Directed Flame Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules fail to control the discharge direction of flames or gases generated by battery cells, leading to instability and potential hazards, such as fire spread and thermal runaway.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design with integrated venting mechanisms, including cell and module venting portions, that allow controlled discharge of flames and gases in a preset direction, utilizing thermal resin-coated regions and silicone-based venting members to prevent unwanted dispersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional battery cells are used without directional venting, then the structure is simple, but flame or gas is emitted at unexpected sealing portions causing instability and safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of battery moduleVSAvoidventing mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery cell structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a sealing portion for maintaining integrity and a non-sealing portion with a formed cell venting portion for controlled gas discharge. This segmentation allows flame and gas to be directed through specific pathways rather than leaking from unpredictable sealing areas, improving reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A module venting portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the external environment. This mediator receives flame or gas discharged from the cell venting portion and directs it through a controlled pathway, preventing direct uncontrolled emission and enhancing overall system stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If flame is allowed to discharge freely from battery cells, then the venting process is simple, but the flame may spread to other battery modules causing chain reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire spread preventionVSAvoidmodule case structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module case is designed with differentiated local properties: a thermal resin coated region for heat protection and a thermal resin uncoated region containing the module venting portion for controlled flame discharge. This local quality variation allows the case to both protect against heat damage and provide a designated pathway for safe flame venting, preventing spread to other modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attempting to completely suppress flame discharge, the invention converts the harmful flame into a controlled venting process. The module venting portion provides a designated exit path for flame and gas, directing them away from other battery modules and transforming an uncontrolled hazard into a managed safety feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If gas is discharged without directional control, then the discharge process is simple, but gas may cause various problems when discharged in undesirable directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discharge controlVSAvoidventing system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting system is segmented into two functional components: a cell venting portion formed in the non-sealing portion of the battery cell for gas generation, and a module venting portion in the thermal resin uncoated region of the module case for directed discharge. This segmentation ensures gas flows through a controlled pathway rather than dispersing randomly, reducing harmful effects while maintaining venting functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures controlled discharge of flames and gases, preventing thermal runaway and enhancing stability, while facilitating handling and installation of battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

a thin film coupled to the non-sealing portion to block the through hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking:

Implementation Method 2

when the cell venting portion of the battery cell is ruptured, the cell venting portion and the module venting portion of the module case are communicated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the module case may have a thermal resin coated region and a thermal resin uncoated region formed in the lower portion thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4625664A1Battery module and vehicle including same

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module and a vehicle including the same. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells; and a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a module venting portion for venting flame or gas, a cell venting portion is formed in the battery cell itself, and when the cell venting portion of the battery cell is ruptured, the cell venting portion and the module venting portion of the module case are communicated.