Battery Pack Pressing Force Tuning for Silicon-Oxide Cell Swelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs fail to effectively control the swelling phenomenon of battery cells, leading to potential accidents and reduced lifespan due to uniform pressing forces that do not consider the specific characteristics of the cells.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design with a pressing part that elastically presses battery cells in the opposite direction of expansion, adjusting the pressing force based on the content of silicon oxide in the negative electrode active material to manage swelling, and optionally incorporating a buffer pad to buffer volume expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a uniform pressing force is applied to battery cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but the swelling phenomenon cannot be effectively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing mechanism complexityVSAvoidswelling control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed with locally varied pressing forces corresponding to different battery cell positions. The pressing force distribution is optimized according to the specific swelling characteristics of each battery cell type, allowing effective swelling control without requiring complex individualized pressing mechanisms for each cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If battery cells are disposed spaced apart to accommodate swelling, then the swelling phenomenon can be accommodated, but the energy density and capacity of the battery pack decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswelling accommodationVSAvoidbattery pack capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A pressing member is provided that proactively applies pressing force to battery cells in the opposite direction of swelling expansion. This preliminary anti-action prevents excessive swelling before it occurs, allowing battery cells to be disposed closer together while still effectively managing the swelling phenomenon, thereby maintaining higher battery pack capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If no pressing force is applied to battery cells, then the battery cell characteristics are preserved, but the swelling phenomenon cannot be suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell stabilityVSAvoidswelling and gas generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force parameters are optimized based on battery cell characteristics such as negative electrode active material content. By adjusting the pressing force to appropriate levels, the system suppresses swelling and gas generation while preserving essential battery cell characteristics and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively controls swelling by optimizing pressing force, reducing gas generation, and enhancing the lifespan and stability of the battery pack.

Implementation Method 1

a pressing part configured to elastically press the battery cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a buffer pad interposed between the two or more battery cells and configured to buffer volume expansion of the battery cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical buffering: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4372882B1Battery pack and vehicle including the battery pack
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4372882B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372882B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4372882B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one battery cell including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material having at least a portion of silicon oxide, a module housing configured to accommodate the at least one battery cell therein, and a pressing part configured to elastically press the battery cell to prevent a change in volume of the battery cell when charging and discharging the battery cell, and having a pressing force for pressing the battery cell set according to the content of the silicon oxide with respect to the total weight of the negative electrode active material.