Integrated Battery Cell Retention Frame With Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules utilize complex retention mechanisms for cylindrical battery cells that are difficult to manufacture, limiting the packaging efficiency of these cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell retention frame with a central cooling plate member and thermally conductive layers that holds and cools cylindrical battery cells, using a simplified design to enhance manufacturing efficiency and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex retention mechanisms are used for cylindrical battery cells, then the reliability of battery cell retention is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention frame and cooling plate into a single integrated component. The retention frame includes vertical walls that directly contact and secure the cylindrical battery cells, while the cooling plate with cooling channels is merged with the frame structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate retention and cooling components, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable cell retention and effective thermal management.
2Quantity of substance
If more cylindrical battery cells are packaged into a battery module, then the energy output is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cells, secures the cells in position through vertical walls, and integrates the cooling plate for thermal management. This multi-functional design allows for efficient packaging of multiple battery cells while simplifying the manufacturing process, as a single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified retention frame design is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the thermal management capability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is integrated with the retention frame structure, with cooling channels formed within the frame itself. This merger ensures that thermal management capability is maintained despite the simplified design, as the cooling system is built into the retention structure rather than being a separate additive component. The vertical walls of the retention frame provide both mechanical support and pathways for cooling fluid distribution.
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 allows for efficient packaging and cooling of multiple cylindrical battery cells while simplifying the manufacturing process, improving thermal management and protection.
Implementation Method 1
first and second thermally conductive layers being disposed on the first and second outer surfaces, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The first and second intermediate walls define an internal cooling channel therebetween that fluidly communicates with the first and second manifold portions
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery cell retention frame includes a central cooling plate member having first and second manifold portions and first and second intermediate walls coupled to the first and second manifold portions. The first and second intermediate walls define an internal cooling channel therebetween that fluidly communicates with the first and second manifold portions. The battery cell retention frame includes first and second exterior plates that are coupled to the first and second manifold portions, respectively. The first and second intermediate walls have first and second outer surfaces, respectively, disposed opposite to one another. The battery cell retention frame includes first and second thermally conductive layers that are disposed on the first and second outer surfaces, respectively.