Battery Pack Cross-Beam Layout for Thermal Runaway Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in achieving both improved safety and energy density, particularly in applications requiring mechanical robustness and thermal management during thermal runaway events.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a lower frame with cross beams, fixing parts, and a center bracket configuration that minimizes the space occupied by fixing components, coupled with gaskets and a lid for enhanced structural integrity and thermal management, including a center beam and exhaust devices for thermal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixing parts are used to secure the center bracket, then structural stability is improved, but the space occupied by fixing components increases, reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the center bracket with the cross beams by directly coupling the bracket to the beam structures, eliminating the need for separate fixing parts. This merging of components reduces the space occupied by fixing elements while maintaining structural stability through the unified design of the bracket-beam assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The center bracket is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, secures the battery cell assemblies, and integrates with the cross beams for thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated fixing components, thereby optimizing space utilization and improving energy density.
2Reliability
If more fixing parts are used to enhance mechanical robustness, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the center bracket with the cross beams into an integrated structure, reducing the number of separate fixing parts. This integration maintains mechanical robustness and safety while simplifying the overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing structure is segmented into modular components (center bracket, cross beams, and coupling interfaces) that can be independently designed and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized safety features in each module while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
3Strength
If the center bracket is secured with multiple fixing parts, then structural integrity is improved, but the inner space available for battery cells is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The center bracket is merged with the cross beams through direct coupling, eliminating the volume occupied by separate fixing parts. This integration maintains structural integrity while maximizing the inner space available for battery cell assemblies, thereby improving energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing structure is designed to utilize the vertical dimension and surface areas of the cross beams, rather than occupying horizontal space. By coupling the bracket to the beams in a dimensionally efficient manner, structural integrity is maintained while preserving maximum volume for battery cells.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments provide a battery pack. The battery pack includes: a lower frame including a base plate and side walls; first to fourth battery cell assemblies provided on the lower frame and including a plurality of battery cells; a first cross beam interposed between the first and second battery cell assemblies, in which the first and second battery cells are spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a second cross beam interposed between the third and fourth battery cell assemblies, in which the third and fourth battery cell assemblies are spaced apart from the first and second battery cell assemblies in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; first fixing parts coupled to the first cross beam and spaced apart from the base plate; and second fixing parts coupled to the first fixing parts.