Battery Pack Module Separation Using Motor-Controlled Magnetic Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery packs lack the ability to selectively separate battery modules, especially those in an abnormal state, posing risks of fire and explosion, particularly in vehicles where fire detection is difficult and rapid extinguishing is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring a pack case with a module holding unit using permanent magnets and a motor to detach abnormal modules, equipped with sensors for state monitoring and a controller for automated separation, and a busbar with a fuse for overcurrent protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery modules are fixed in the battery pack using conventional magnetic attachment, then the battery pack can be easily attached and detached, but the battery modules cannot be selectively separated when fire or abnormality occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit uses a motor to dynamically switch between attachment and detachment states. The motor rotates a shaft to change the magnetic polarity orientation, allowing the holding force to be activated or deactivated on demand. This dynamic control enables selective separation of abnormal battery modules while maintaining easy attachment/detachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A motor-driven shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the magnetic holding units. The shaft transmits rotational motion to change the orientation of magnetic portions, enabling controlled detachment without direct mechanical contact or complex linkages. This intermediary allows precise control of the holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all battery modules are treated equally in the battery pack, then the structure is simple, but abnormal modules cannot be selectively separated to prevent fire spread

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire preventionVSAvoidmodule separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is divided into independent modular units, each with its own holding unit equipped with a motor and magnetic portions. This segmentation allows individual modules to be controlled and separated independently. When one module shows abnormality, only that specific module needs to be detached, preventing fire spread to other modules while maintaining simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each holding unit has locally differentiated functionality through the motor-controlled magnetic portions. The magnetic attachment/detachment capability is distributed to each module rather than being centralized, allowing localized control. This enables selective separation of abnormal modules without affecting the operation or structure of normal modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If conventional magnetic attachment is used without motor control, then the device is simple, but rapid separation of abnormal modules during fire emergency is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation speedVSAvoidholding unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor and magnetic portions are pre-positioned in each holding unit during manufacturing. When abnormality is detected, the motor can immediately rotate the shaft to change magnetic orientation and detach the module. This preliminary arrangement of components enables rapid separation without requiring complex real-time adjustments or reconfiguration during emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables safe and controlled separation of abnormal battery modules, reducing the risk of explosions and protecting vehicle passengers by detecting and isolating potentially hazardous modules.

Implementation Method 1

a module holding unit which fixes the battery module to the pack case or releases the battery module from the pack case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a motor configured to be rotated according to a signal from a controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a busbar with a fuse for overcurrent protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOvercurrent protection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4333171B1Battery pack configured such that selective separation of battery modules is possible
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4333171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4333171B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4333171B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery pack configured such that selective separation of a plurality of battery modules is possible, and more particularly a battery pack including a pack case, a plurality of battery modules received in the pack case, a busbar configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules to each other, and a module holding unit configured to fix the battery module to the pack case or to separate the battery module from the pack case.