Hollow Battery Support Member for Cooling and Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling structures face challenges in minimizing component count and preventing contamination of battery cells when using outside air for cooling, while also ensuring structural integrity and efficient cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery cooling structure where a hollow battery support member is used to support an upper layer battery group, with the cooling medium flowing through the support member to cool both layers, and additional support is provided by an electronic component support member to prevent collapse and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If columns for reinforcement are provided on the side face of the battery case to prevent crushing, then structural strength is improved, but the number of components increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to combine multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement to prevent battery case crushing, supports the upper battery module, and forms cooling passages within its structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate reinforcement columns, reducing component count while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural support, cooling medium passage formation, and mechanical reinforcement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components, simplifying the overall structure while addressing multiple technical requirements.
2Temperature
If cooling air flows through a cooling passage formed in the interior of the battery case, then cooling efficiency is improved, but battery cells may become contaminated by outside air
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary structure between the outside environment and the battery cells. It provides sealed cooling passages within its body, allowing cooling medium flow while preventing direct contact between outside air and battery cells, thus eliminating contamination risk while maintaining cooling efficiency.
3Temperature
If the battery support member is formed hollow to enable cooling medium flow, then cooling capability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple sections with cooling passages segmented within its structure. This segmentation allows the hollow structure to maintain cooling functionality while the divided configuration provides structural reinforcement, preventing collapse under battery module weight.
4Temperature
If the interior of the battery support member is divided into multiple flow paths by partition walls, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling passages are segmented into multiple flow paths using partition walls integrated into the support member structure. This segmentation improves cooling efficiency by directing flow across different battery cell surfaces while the partition walls are designed to be formed in a single manufacturing process, minimizing the increase in manufacturing 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 design reduces the number of components, prevents contamination of the upper layer battery group, maintains structural integrity, and enhances cooling efficiency by minimizing flow resistance and supporting inertial forces during vehicle maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
the upper layer battery group is cooled by a cooling medium that flows in an interior of the battery support member
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cooling structure is provided in which since a battery support member (43) that is disposed above a lower layer battery group (B4, B5) and supports an upper layer battery group (B6) on its upper face is formed so as to be hollow, and the upper layer battery group (B6) is cooled by a cooling medium that flows in an interior of the battery support member (43), due to the battery support member (43) having the dual function of supporting the upper layer battery group (B6) and cooling the upper layer battery group (B6), it is possible to cut the number of components and simplify the structure. Moreover, since the cooling medium flows in the interior of the battery support member (43) and does not come into direct contact with the upper layer battery group (B6), the upper layer battery group (B6) is not contaminated by the cooling medium.