Battery Pack Bus Bar Layout to Prevent Thermal Runaway Shorts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to prevent internal short circuits in battery packs during thermal runaway events to enhance safety.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring Z-shaped inter-bus bars that connect positive and negative terminals of battery cell assemblies in a distributed manner, with overlapping terminal arrangements to mitigate short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery terminals are arranged in a concentrated manner, then the battery pack structure is simplified, but internal short circuits may occur during thermal runaway events
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack divides terminals into separate groups (first group with first terminals, second group with second terminals) and spaces them apart in the first direction. This segmentation prevents concentrated terminal arrangement, reducing the risk of internal short circuits during thermal runaway while maintaining structural organization through defined grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial distribution in the first direction (length direction of battery cells) to separate positive and negative terminals. By arranging terminals at different positions along the length direction rather than concentrating them at single points, the design adds dimensional separation that prevents short circuit propagation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If battery terminals are spaced apart to prevent short circuits, then safety is improved, but the battery pack structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack structure is segmented into distinct terminal groups (first group and second group) with clear spatial separation in the first direction. This segmentation achieves safety through distributed terminal arrangement while maintaining structural simplicity through organized grouping and systematic connection via inter-bus bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-bus bars serve multiple functions: they connect terminals electrically in series, provide structural support for terminal distribution, and enable safety through spatial separation. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity by combining electrical connection and safety functions into single components.
3Reliability
If terminals are arranged in a distributed manner, then internal short circuits are prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Terminals are segmented into first group and second group with defined spatial separation in the first direction. This segmentation establishes clear manufacturing targets (specific positions in first direction) that simplify precision requirements compared to complex multi-dimensional positioning, while still achieving distributed arrangement for short circuit prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes terminals primarily in the first direction (length direction) rather than requiring complex two-dimensional or three-dimensional distribution. This one-dimensional distribution approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements by simplifying the spatial coordination needed, while still achieving effective separation to prevent internal short circuits.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a first battery cell assembly including a first positive electrode terminal and a first negative electrode terminal; a second battery cell assembly spaced apart from the first battery cell assembly in a first direction, and including a second positive electrode terminal and a second negative electrode terminal; and a first inter-bus bar connecting the first negative electrode terminal with the second positive electrode terminal, wherein the first inter-bus bar has a Z-shape.