Battery Pack Reinforcement Cover for Cell-to-Cell Heat Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in preventing the propagation of heat from one battery cell to an adjacent cell upon occurrence of a predetermined event, such as thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that includes a reinforcement cover with flange portions arranged in two rows at the central part, vent protruding portions corresponding to the vents of the battery cells, and a heat blocking member between the battery cells and the reinforcement cover, which helps in reducing heat propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are arranged closely to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat propagation between adjacent cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement cover is divided into multiple flange portions that are positioned between adjacent battery cells. These flange portions act as segmented barriers that physically separate the cells and interrupt heat propagation paths while allowing the cells to remain closely arranged for high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portions of the reinforcement cover serve as intermediary heat-blocking structures positioned between adjacent battery cells. These intermediaries prevent direct heat transfer from one cell to another while maintaining the compact arrangement necessary for high energy density.
2Reliability
If a reinforcement cover is added to prevent heat propagation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to the battery pack structure, prevents heat propagation between cells through its flange portions, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-blocking function is merged with the structural reinforcement function by integrating flange portions into the reinforcement cover. This combination eliminates the need for separate heat-blocking components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flange portions are positioned at vent locations to block heat, then heat propagation is reduced, but ventilation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portions are strategically positioned at specific locations corresponding to vent openings of adjacent battery cells. This localized positioning blocks heat propagation paths near the vents while leaving the vent openings themselves unobstructed, allowing gas venting to function properly while preventing heat transfer.
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 proposed design effectively reduces the propagation of heat between battery cells, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the battery pack by preventing unintended thermal events from spreading.
Implementation Method 1
a heat blocking member between the battery cells and the reinforcement cover
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack configured to, in response to occurrence of a predetermined event in a certain battery cell, reduce propagation of heat to an adjacent cell. The battery pack includes battery cells and a cover member configured to cover the battery cells. The cover member includes a reinforcement cover on the battery cells. The reinforcement cover includes flange portions arranged in two rows at a central part of the reinforcement cover and extending in the arrangement direction of the battery cells.