Battery Pack X-Bar and Lateral Plate Assembly for Higher Rigidity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs face challenges in enhancing rigidity without additional space for mounting and fixing battery modules, which limits energy density.

Innovation Solution

The battery pack design incorporates a lateral plate assembled to the x bar, allowing it to function as an impact absorbing column, reinforcing rigidity and fixing the battery module without additional space, by separating the x bar into two pieces and using a bolt fastening structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a mounting bolt and impact absorbing column are added to improve rigidity, then the rigidity of the battery pack is improved, but additional space is occupied reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral plate of the battery module is merged with the impact absorbing column function. The lateral plate is extended in the longitudinal direction to form a first longitudinal extension part that serves as the impact absorbing column, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral support for the battery cells, serves as a mounting surface for the battery module, and its extended portion functions as an impact absorbing column. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a mounting bolt is used to fix the battery module, then the battery module is securely mounted, but additional space for the mounting bolt is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is merged into the lateral plate structure itself. The lateral plate with its extended longitudinal part provides both the mounting surface and the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mounting bolts and their associated space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If impact absorbing columns are placed between battery modules, then structural stability is improved, but space is occupied reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The impact absorbing column function is merged with the lateral plate structure. The first longitudinal extension part of the lateral plate serves as the impact absorbing column, providing structural stability without requiring separate dedicated space for impact absorption between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral plate's extended portion provides dual functionality: it maintains the structural stability of the battery pack while simultaneously serving as part of the battery module housing, thereby not occupying additional space that would reduce energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design improves the battery pack's rigidity and energy density by eliminating the need for extra space, effectively mounting and fixing the battery module while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The x bar of the battery pack is separated into two pieces to thus reinforce rigidity of the battery pack and simultaneously fix the battery module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3627584B1Battery pack and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3627584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627584B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627584B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a pack tray; a first x bar provided on the pack tray; a plurality of battery modules provided on the pack tray; a lateral plate for covering a lateral side of the battery module; and a second x bar provided on the first x bar, overlapping the first x bar, and disposed in parallel to the same, wherein the lateral plate forms a protrusions and depressions structure with at least one of the first x bar and the second x bar and are combined with each other.