Battery Module Side Plate Structure for Swelling Control and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in achieving ease of manufacture and sufficient rigidity, particularly in the side plates that cover battery cells, which are crucial for swelling control and module fixation.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a pair of side plates with overlapping flange portions, coupled by laser welding, and a band member for additional support, enhancing rigidity and simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate fixing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery modules are arranged in parallel rows, then the battery pack structure can accommodate more batteries, but the heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates due to heat accumulation in the center region
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple heat dissipation zones by introducing partition walls between parallel rows of battery modules. Each zone has independent heat dissipation channels, preventing heat accumulation in the center region while maintaining high battery density
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structured system with partition walls and multi-level heat dissipation channels, enabling heat to be dissipated through multiple spatial dimensions rather than relying solely on lateral conduction
2Strength
If a rigid fixed structure is used to secure battery modules, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate deformation and prevent connection failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure transitions from a rigid static design to a dynamic flexible system where the fixing member can deform elastically with the battery modules during thermal expansion or contraction, maintaining continuous electrical connection while accommodating dimensional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member's material properties are selected to have appropriate elastic modulus and flexibility parameters that allow it to withstand both the mechanical strength requirements and the thermal deformation stresses, changing its rigidity characteristics to match operational conditions
3Temperature
If heat dissipation fins are added to battery modules, then the heat dissipation performance is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is merged with the battery module housing structure itself, where the housing serves dual purposes as both structural enclosure and heat dissipation component, eliminating the need for separate fin structures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, electrical insulation, and heat dissipation through integrated heat dissipation channels and surfaces, reducing the total number of components required
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 ensures effective swelling control and module fixation with increased rigidity, reduces weight, and improves production efficiency by minimizing separate bonding processes, while maintaining energy density.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation plate (131) disposed at the bottom of the battery module (100)
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipation fins (132) extending from the heat dissipation plate (131)
Implementation Method 3
heat dissipation fins (132) extending from the heat dissipation plate (131)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a battery module including a side plate capable of satisfying required rigidity in performing a role of controlling swelling of a battery cell and fixing the module on the side of the battery module. A battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a module tray configured to support the cell assembly; and a pair of side plates configured to cover one side and the other side of the cell assembly, respectively, wherein at least one of the pair of side plates includes a first sub-plate having a first flange portion protruding outward; and a second sub-plate that has a second flange portion protruding outward and disposed to overlap the first flange portion and is coupled by overlapping the first sub-plate.