Modular Battery Pack Connection Layout for Series-Parallel Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery packs face high product development costs and reduced price competitiveness due to the need for various product configurations to accommodate both serial and parallel connections, which complicates installation and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring a connection module that allows for both serial and parallel connections, integrated with a control module and bus bars, enabling flexible configuration and protection against overcurrent, along with a communication connector for easy installation and modular structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If various product configurations are created to accommodate both serial and parallel connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and product development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidproduct configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection module is designed with universal terminals that can accommodate both serial and parallel connections through a single standardized interface structure. The module includes multiple terminals arranged to support different connection topologies without requiring separate dedicated connection structures for each mode, thereby achieving multi-functionality in a unified design.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection module incorporates switchable or reconfigurable connection paths that allow the same physical structure to dynamically adapt between serial and parallel configurations. This enables the battery pack to change its electrical topology based on operational requirements without physical reconfiguration or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If various product configurations are created to accommodate both serial and parallel connections, then adaptability is improved, but product development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidproduct development cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal connection module design serves both serial and parallel connection requirements, eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate product configurations for each connection mode. This standardized approach reduces engineering development costs, tooling requirements, and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection module is designed as an independent, modular unit that can be universally applied across different battery pack configurations. By segmenting the connection functionality into a standalone module with standardized interfaces, the system achieves adaptability without requiring custom configurations for each application, thereby reducing development costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple connection configurations are supported, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection module provides a unified standardized interface that simplifies installation operations while supporting both serial and parallel connections. Installers work with a single connection type and procedure regardless of the desired electrical configuration, improving ease of operation without requiring complex multi-type connectors or installation procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection module enables operational flexibility through reconfigurable internal connection paths that allow the system to switch between serial and parallel modes without requiring physical reconfiguration by the installer. This dynamic capability provides ease of operation while maintaining a simple, fixed physical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3896775B1Battery pack and power storage device comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3896775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896775B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3896775B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery modules stacked on each other, each battery module having at least one battery cell; a control module stacked together with the plurality of battery modules for protection and power conversion of the plurality of battery modules; and a connection module configured to electrically connect the control module and the plurality of battery modules and integrally mounted to the plurality of battery modules and the control module.