Battery Pack Plate Unit Segmentation for Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs have reduced energy density due to increased space occupancy by battery modules, as each module encases the entire exterior surface, including upper and lower surfaces of the cell stack, leading to inefficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack design includes a plurality of battery assemblies with a cell stack and a plate unit covering side surfaces, featuring a linking member for electrical connection between assemblies, and a pack housing with partition members to optimize space usage and insulation, reducing the need for additional insulating components and minimizing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If battery modules encase the entire exterior surface including upper and lower surfaces of the cell stack, then structural protection is improved, but space occupancy increases and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate unit is divided into a first plate covering side surfaces and a second plate covering only a portion of the upper surface, segmenting the protection structure to reduce unnecessary material usage while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The second plate is selectively positioned at specific locations on the upper surface rather than covering the entire surface, providing localized protection where structurally necessary while minimizing overall space occupancy
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional battery module design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery assemblies that can be independently arranged, allowing optimized space utilization while each assembly maintains its structural integrity through the plate unit configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The plate unit extends in multiple dimensions with the first plate covering side surfaces and the second plate covering the upper surface, creating a three-dimensional protective structure that optimizes space usage
3Reliability
If more insulating components are added, then electrical insulation is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating function is merged into the plate unit structure itself, which simultaneously provides mechanical protection and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate insulating components
Solution Approach 2:
The plate unit serves multiple functions including structural protection, electrical insulation, and space definition, reducing the total number of components needed and simplifying manufacturing
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of battery assemblies, each of the plurality of battery assemblies including a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a plate unit covering at least a portion of a side surface of the cell stack, and a linking member electrically connecting at least two of the battery assemblies, wherein the plate unit may include an accommodation portion into which the linking member is inserted.