Battery Pack Venting Structure for Thermal Runaway Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack manufacturing methods result in increased weight and volume, reduced energy density, and safety concerns due to thermal runaway and gas accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a cell unit with a pocketed bottom portion to collect discharged masses and a cell cover for partial battery cell coverage, along with a gas passage and membrane for controlled gas venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If battery cells are accommodated in box-shaped metal cases to configure battery modules, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and volume of the battery pack increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the box-shaped metal case from the battery cell structure, transitioning to a cell-to-pack design where pouch-type battery cells are directly installed in the battery pack case. This extraction of the metal case eliminates unnecessary weight and volume while maintaining structural integrity through alternative support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the battery cell and battery module levels by directly installing pouch-type battery cells into the battery pack case without intermediate metal housing. This consolidation reduces the number of components and eliminates the weight penalty of nested metal cases.
2Weight of stationary object
If battery cells are directly installed in the pack case using cell-to-pack method, then the weight and volume are reduced, but the handling and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning structure with guide grooves and positioning protrusions that are pre-formed in the battery pack case. These preliminary structural features guide the battery cells during installation, making the direct cell-to-pack method easier to implement despite the reduced structural buffering.
3Power
If multiple battery modules are reconnected in series or parallel, then the output voltage and charging capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery pack into multiple independent battery cell units that can be independently installed and connected. Each pouch-type battery cell functions as an independent module, allowing flexible series or parallel connections to achieve desired voltage and capacity without complex intermediate module structures.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If particles or foreign substances are discharged from the battery cell during thermal runaway, then the gas venting is improved, but the internal pressure increases causing damage or explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes particles and foreign substances discharged during thermal runaway through dedicated discharge ports and collection chambers. This extraction mechanism prevents accumulation of harmful substances that would otherwise increase internal pressure and cause explosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary component that selectively allows gas to pass through while blocking particles and foreign substances. This mediator enables gas venting to relieve pressure while preventing particle accumulation that would cause blockages or explosions.
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 solution reduces the weight and volume of the battery pack, enhances energy density, facilitates safe handling and installation, and prevents structural damage or explosion during thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
the pocket may be configured to collect masses discharged and falling from the battery cell included in the cell unit
Implementation Method 2
the bottom portion may further include a gas passage extending along the inside of the bottom portion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. A battery pack according to the present disclosure can include a cell unit with at least one battery cell, and a case. The case can have an accommodation room with a bottom portion on which the cell unit is seated and configured to be accommodated. The bottom portion can include a pocket, the pocket can be configured to collect masses discharged and falling from the battery cell included in the cell unit.