Battery Module Zigzag Groove Cartridge Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing capacity of battery modules leads to a rise in the number of cell cartridges, resulting in increased volume and the need for repeated screw usage, complicating the connection structure.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a receiving unit with a zigzag-shaped receiving groove and a battery cover with a seating groove, eliminating the need for cartridges by closely surrounding battery cells and allowing electrode leads to protrude through the cover, thus simplifying the connection structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of cell cartridges is increased to achieve high battery capacity, then the battery capacity is improved, but the overall volume of the battery pack increases and the connection structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidbattery pack volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cell cartridges are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly that houses multiple battery cells in a compact arrangement. The receiving unit is designed to accommodate multiple cells (e.g., three cells per receiving unit) with shared structural elements, reducing the overall number of separate cartridges and minimizing battery pack volume while maintaining high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Battery cells are nested within the cartridge structure in a space-efficient configuration. The receiving unit contains multiple cells arranged in a nested manner, with cells positioned in receiving grooves and surrounded by the cartridge housing, maximizing space utilization and reducing the volume required for high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of cell cartridges is increased to achieve high battery capacity, then the battery capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to repeated screw usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cell cartridges are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly that houses multiple battery cells in a compact arrangement. The receiving unit is designed to accommodate multiple cells (e.g., three cells per receiving unit) with shared structural elements, reducing the overall number of separate cartridges and minimizing battery pack volume while maintaining high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving unit serves multiple functions: it houses multiple battery cells, provides structural support, enables electrical connections through the battery cover, and facilitates cooling. The battery cover acts as both a sealing element and an electrical connection component, reducing the need for separate fastening and connection hardware.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional cartridge structures with cushion members are used, then battery cell stability is improved, but the overall volume increases and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell stabilityVSAvoidbattery module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge housing and receiving unit are designed with flexible, form-fitting structures that closely surround the battery cells. The receiving grooves and cartridge walls provide stable support and positioning for the cells without requiring bulky cushion members, achieving cell stability while minimizing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3340336B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3340336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340336B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3340336B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a battery module suitable for minimizing increase in overall volume due to increased capacity and simplifying the connection structure of the battery cells, by surrounding battery cells with a battery receiving unit and a battery cover as substitutes for cartridges. The battery module of the present disclosure includes a battery receiving unit including, within a receiving housing, a receiving groove and a receiving structure having a zigzag shape on a receiving sidewall and surrounding the receiving groove, battery cells partially received in the receiving groove and contacted with the receiving structure, and including electrode leads protruded from the receiving housing; and a battery cover including a seating groove formed within a seating housing and open to the receiving groove for seating the battery cells, and a seating structure having a zigzag shape on a seating sidewall surrounding the seating groove, in which the seating housing covers the receiving groove of the receiving housing and is penetrated with the electrode leads.