Battery Module Offset Venting to Prevent Thermal Re-Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

The re-entering phenomenon occurs when thermal propagation in battery modules causes gas, flame, or foreign substances to collide with external components and re-enter the module, potentially exacerbating the fire or damage.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a primary vent hole and a secondary vent hole offset from each other, with a partition and barriers to delay thermal propagation and prevent re-entry, using metallic materials with porous structures to manage gas discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single vent hole is provided in the upper cover, then gas discharge is simple and direct, but thermal propagation occurs quickly and re-entering phenomenon happens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against thermal propagationVSAvoidstructure of vent hole and barriers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single vent hole is segmented into two offset vent holes, creating separate discharge paths that prevent direct re-entry of hot gases and reduce thermal propagation between battery cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A porous barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the two vent holes, filtering and redirecting gas flow to prevent direct communication between adjacent battery compartments while maintaining pressure relief functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If vent holes are offset from each other, then re-entering phenomenon is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of re-entering phenomenonVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of vent holes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The offset positions of the two vent holes are predetermined and pre-configured in the upper cover design, establishing fixed geometric relationships that simplify assembly and reduce the need for high-precision field adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vent holes are deliberately positioned asymmetrically in an offset configuration, creating inherent directional flow patterns that prevent re-entry while the asymmetric design itself serves as a built-in positioning guide for manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 effectively delays thermal propagation and prevents the re-entering of gases and foreign substances, enhancing safety by reducing fire spread and module damage.

Implementation Method 1

a primary barrier disposed on one surface of the upper cover and including a porous structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorous structure filtration: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS20260018733A1Battery module and battery pack

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A battery module includes a lower frame including a plurality of accommodation spaces and a partition partitioning the plurality of accommodation spaces, at least one battery cell accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodation spaces, an upper cover disposed above the plurality of accommodation spaces and including a primary vent hole, a primary barrier disposed on one surface of the upper cover and including a porous structure, and a secondary barrier disposed on one surface of the primary barrier and including a secondary vent hole. The primary vent hole and the secondary vent hole are disposed to be offset from each other.