Multilayered cylindrical battery module having heat dissipation and chain ignition preventing structure and battery pack comprising same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multilayer cylindrical secondary battery modules face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat and preventing chain ignition when positive and negative electrode terminals face each other vertically, complicating electrical connections and making it difficult to secure both heat dissipation and gas discharge spaces.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer battery module design featuring first and second cylindrical battery cells arranged in a matrix form with a heatsink interposed between them, where the heatsink has a convex portion for gas discharge and a closely adhered portion for heat dissipation, allowing for efficient heat and gas discharge paths, and additional heat transfer pads for enhanced thermal conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If positive and negative electrode terminals are arranged to face each other vertically in a multilayer battery module, then electrical connection is simplified, but heat dissipation and gas discharge spaces cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection structureVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module is divided into multiple layers with battery cells arranged in a matrix pattern. By segmenting the structure into first and second layers with alternating terminal orientations, the design achieves both simplified electrical connections and adequate heat dissipation spaces. The segmentation allows heat to be distributed across multiple surfaces rather than concentrated in one area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer arrangement to a multilayer three-dimensional structure. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple layers, the design can maintain terminal-to-terminal electrical connections while creating lateral and vertical pathways for heat dissipation. The heat dissipation plate extends in multiple directions to accommodate thermal management in the additional dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If heat dissipation structure is applied to positive electrode terminals facing each other vertically, then heat dissipation is improved, but gas discharge space is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidgas discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the battery module are assigned different functions: the heat dissipation plate provides thermal management at terminal locations, while the safety vents provide gas discharge at specific positions. This local differentiation allows heat dissipation and gas discharge to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other, as each function is localized to appropriate areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If safety vent is installed at positive electrode terminal for gas discharge, then chain ignition prevention is improved, but heat dissipation path is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain ignition preventionVSAvoidheat dissipation path
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation plate and safety vent structures are merged into an integrated design. The heat dissipation plate extends to create pathways that work in conjunction with the safety vents, allowing both heat dissipation and gas discharge functions to operate together. The merged structure ensures that heat can be dissipated while gas vents remain accessible for pressure relief.

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 effectively dissipates heat and discharges gas generated between cylindrical battery cells with opposing terminals, preventing chain ignition and simplifying electrical connections by creating a structured heat and gas discharge path.

Implementation Method 1

a heatsink made of a material with high thermal conductivity and disposed at a layer boundary between the first cylindrical battery cells and the second cylindrical battery cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a portion of the heatsink facing the positive electrode terminal is convex toward the positive electrode terminal to form a heat and gas discharge path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a portion of the heatsink facing the positive electrode terminal is convex toward the positive electrode terminal to form a heat and gas discharge path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

additional heat transfer pads for enhanced thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3641048B1Multilayered cylindrical battery module having heat dissipation and chain ignition preventing structure and battery pack comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3641048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3641048B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3641048B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multilayer battery module includes first cylindrical battery cells arranged standing in lateral and longitudinal directions into a matrix form; second cylindrical battery cells arranged standing on the first cylindrical battery cells with each one of the second cylindrical battery cells in a one-to-one relationship with a corresponding one of the first cylindrical battery cells; and a heatsink of high thermal conductivity between the first and second cylindrical battery cells. The first and second cylindrical battery cells and are disposed so that positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals face each other with the heatsink being interposed therebetween. A portion of the heatsink facing each respective positive electrode terminal is recessed to form a heat and gas discharge path, and a portion of the heatsink facing each respective negative electrode terminal contacts the respective negative electrode terminal to form a heat dissipation path.