Battery Module Support Structure With Integrated Fluid Line Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module support structures require additional complex and costly fluid cooling systems, increasing installation space and material consumption, while compromising accessibility and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A support structure that integrates fluid-conducting elements as both static supports and fluid guides, allowing for internal temperature control within the battery modules, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems by using a battery cooling pipe (BCP) that distributes temperature-control fluid and supports the modules, with optional features like triple-chamber systems and node elements for additional functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate fluid cooling system is provided for battery modules, then temperature control is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and expensive with enlarged installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and fluid cooling system into a single integrated unit. The support elements are designed with internal fluid-conducting channels, merging the mechanical support function and thermal management function into one component system, thereby reducing overall system complexity and installation space while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for battery modules and act as fluid conduits for cooling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling pipes and reduces the number of components, directly addressing the complexity and space issues
2Temperature
If a separate fluid cooling system is provided for battery modules, then temperature control is achieved, but material consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating fluid conduits within the support elements, the patent eliminates the need for separate cooling pipes and associated materials. The support structure itself becomes the cooling channel, significantly reducing material consumption while maintaining temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements perform dual functions as both structural supports and cooling channels, reducing the total material required compared to having separate support structures and cooling systems
3Temperature
If a separate fluid cooling system is provided for battery modules, then temperature control is achieved, but installation space is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fluid conduits within the support elements eliminates the need for separate cooling pipe routing space. The cooling channels are embedded within the existing support structure volume, thereby reducing the overall installation space required while maintaining effective temperature control
4Ease of operation
If additional constructive measures are provided for ease of assembling and maintenance access, then ease of operation is improved, but installation space and system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as modular segments that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The integrated fluid conduits are designed to accommodate this modularity, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance access without requiring additional space or increasing system complexity
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 integrated solution reduces installation space, material usage, and costs, while enhancing thermal management and accessibility, allowing for efficient temperature control and modular design without additional cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
fluid line elements extend into the respective region of the compartments and by way of which fluid line elements a temperature-control fluid for the battery modules is able to be supplied into the region of the compartments and is able to be discharged again from there
Implementation Method 2
a temperature-control fluid for the battery modules is able to be supplied into the region of the compartments
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure (7) for a number of battery modules (2), having: a plurality of support elements (7a, 7b), which support elements (7a, 7b) are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart and therebetween configure a number of compartments (7c), which compartments (7c) are specified to receive in each case one battery module (2); which support structure (7) is distinguished by the fact that at least a number of the support elements (7a) are configured as fluid line elements or comprise fluid line elements, which fluid line elements extend into the respective region of the compartments (7c), and by way of which fluid line elements a temperature-control fluid for the battery modules (2) is able to be supplied into the region of the compartments (7c) and is able to be discharged again from there.