Battery Pack Cell-Block Barriers for Thermal Runaway Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs face challenges in preventing the transfer of heat or flame from one cell block to adjacent blocks, leading to potential chain reactions and reduced stability.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring support members with interlocking assembling parts and a blocking part made of refractory material to obstruct or delay the transfer of heat or flame between cell blocks, using fastening members for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If multiple battery cells are assembled into modules or assemblies to improve maintenance ease and serviceability, then ease of repair is improved, but the risk of heat and flame transfer between adjacent cell blocks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidheat and flame transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent cell blocks. This support member includes a blocking part that specifically targets and prevents the harmful transfer of heat and flame, while simultaneously providing structural support to maintain the modular assembly configuration for ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery pack is divided into multiple independent cell blocks that are physically separated by support members. This segmentation isolates potential thermal runaway events to specific blocks, preventing chain reactions while maintaining the modular structure that enables easy maintenance and replacement of individual blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If battery performance is improved through high-density metal ions and advanced electrolyte materials, then charge/discharge performance is improved, but stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge/discharge performanceVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking part made of refractory material serves as a pre-prepared protective barrier against thermal runaway. By installing this heat-resistant structure in advance between cell blocks, the system is cushioned against the harmful effects of thermal events, allowing high-performance battery materials to be used without compromising overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If cell blocks are closely arranged to maximize energy density, then productivity is improved, but the risk of simultaneous thermal runaway increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsimultaneous thermal runaway risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support member structure provides localized heat blocking properties at critical interfaces between cell blocks, while allowing the overall battery pack to maintain high energy density through efficient space utilization. The blocking part is strategically positioned only where thermal transfer prevention is most critical, balancing density and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances stability by effectively blocking or delaying the transfer of heat or flame, preventing chain reactions and improving safety and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a blocking part being provided between the assembling parts to block transfer of heat or flame between the adjacent cell blocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a blocking part made of refractory material to obstruct or delay the transfer of heat or flame between cell blocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFire resistance: Refractory Material

Data Source

PatentEP4693621A1Battery pack and vehicle including same
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4693621A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4693621A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4693621A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed are a battery pack for improving stability by blocking or delaying transfer of heat or flame generated in a specific cell block to adjacent cell blocks, and a vehicle including the battery pack.