Battery Pack Venting Structure for Fire-Resistant Module Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries used in vehicles, industries, or homes face safety issues due to fire propagation and gas leakage from a malfunctioning cell or module, necessitating effective venting and prevention of flame spread.

Innovation Solution

A battery system with a battery module enclosed in a pack casing, featuring elastic parts made of fire-resistant materials that support the module and include venting parts to smoothly vent gases and prevent flame propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a battery module is sealed in a pack casing to protect battery cells, then battery cell protection and fire containment are improved, but gas venting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery cell protectionVSAvoidgas accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pack casing is segmented into multiple regions including a venting region with vent holes, allowing the sealed structure to be divided into protective enclosed spaces and controlled venting pathways. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of cell protection and gas venting by directing gases to specific venting zones away from battery cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A venting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed pack casing and the external environment. This intermediary component (venting structure with fire-resistant materials) allows controlled gas release while maintaining the protective sealed structure, preventing direct exposure of battery cells to external hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If venting parts are added to the pack casing to release gases, then gas venting capability is improved, but flame propagation risk worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas ventingVSAvoidflame propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The venting structure utilizes composite materials including fire-resistant materials (such as ceramic coatings or fire-retardant polymers) combined with metallic or plastic casing materials. This composite construction allows the venting holes to release gases effectively while the fire-resistant layer prevents flame propagation through the venting pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The venting holes, which could potentially allow flame propagation, are converted into a beneficial feature by equipping them with fire-resistant materials. These materials allow gas passage while blocking flames, transforming a potential hazard into a controlled venting mechanism that protects against both gas accumulation and flame spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic parts are used to support the battery module to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal stability is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidfire resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Fire-resistant materials (such as ceramic coatings or heat-resistant barriers) are introduced as intermediary layers between the elastic support parts and the battery module. These intermediary fire-resistant layers allow the elastic parts to accommodate thermal expansion while preventing direct flame contact and heat transfer to the elastic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs composite materials where fire-resistant materials are integrated with or attached to elastic components. This composite construction maintains the elastic properties needed for thermal expansion accommodation while the fire-resistant layer provides the necessary thermal and flame protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system effectively prevents fire propagation to adjacent cells or modules and ensures safe venting of gases, enhancing overall safety and stability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part located between the pack casing and the battery module, the elastic part configured to press the battery module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the gas in the battery cell with a problem needs to be smoothly vented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250391996A1Battery system and vehicle including the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery system having a battery module, a pack casing to accommodate the battery module therein, and an elastic part located between the pack casing and the battery module, the elastic part being configured to press the battery module, the elastic part having a first end and a cap made of a fire resistance material, the cap being configured to support the first end on the pack casing or on the battery module.