Battery Cell Spacer Plate Layout for Higher Pack Energy Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of improving space utilization rate in batteries to enhance energy density while maintaining structural strength is unresolved, as traditional structural components like beams and side plates occupy valuable space and compromise battery performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a spacer plate connected to the largest surface area of each battery cell and a mounting wall directly connected to the second wall of each cell, eliminating the need for side plates and beams, thereby maximizing space utilization and enhancing structural strength and energy density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional structural components (beams and side plates) are used to maintain structural strength, then structural strength is improved, but space utilization rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidspace utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of beams and side plates into a single integrated spacer plate structure. The spacer plate extends in the first direction to connect battery cells and simultaneously provides lateral support, merging the longitudinal connection function of beams with the lateral support function of side plates into one component, thereby eliminating the space occupied by separate structural components while maintaining structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer plate performs multiple functions: it connects battery cells in series (original beam function), provides lateral support and spacing (original side plate function), and serves as a mounting structure for electrical connections. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structural components, improving space utilization while maintaining structural integrity

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

2Strength

If traditional structural components (beams and side plates) are used to maintain structural strength, then structural strength is improved, but energy density deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging beam and side plate functions into the spacer plate, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by structural components. This increased space can be utilized for additional battery cells or active materials, thereby improving energy density while maintaining the necessary structural strength through the integrated spacer plate design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If space utilization rate is improved by removing structural components, then energy density is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization rateVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer plate integrates the structural functions of both beams and side plates into a single component that extends in the first direction. This merged structure provides both longitudinal connection and lateral support, maintaining structural strength while occupying less space than the separate traditional components, thereby improving space utilization rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If spacer plate and mounting wall configuration is implemented to eliminate side plates and beams, then space utilization rate is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization rateVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple structural components into fewer integrated elements. The spacer plate combines beam and side plate functions, and the mounting wall integrates support and connection functions, reducing the total number of parts while improving space utilization. Although each integrated component has complex geometry, the overall assembly complexity is reduced due to fewer parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4266464B1Battery, power consumption device, and method and device for producing battery
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4266464B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4266464B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4266464B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a battery (10), a power consumption device, and a method and device for producing a battery (10). The battery (10) includes: a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged in a first direction, the battery cell (20) including a first wall (201) and a second wall (202), the first wall (201) being a wall of the battery cell (20) that has a largest surface area, and the second wall (202) being connected to the first wall (201); a spacer plate (101), the spacer plate (101) extending in the first direction and connected to the first wall (201) of each battery cell (20) of the plurality of battery cells (20); and a mounting wall (204), the mounting wall (204) being connected to the second wall (202) of each battery cell (20) of the plurality of battery cells (20), where when the battery cell (20) is disposed in a power consumption device, the battery cell (20) is located below the mounting wall (204), and the mounting wall (204) is configured to mount the battery cell (20). Technical solutions of embodiments of the present application can improve performance of the battery (10).