Battery Module Support Plate for Vent Gas Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to ignition and thermal propagation due to high-temperature gases emitted during events such as swelling, overcharging, or external impacts, which can damage sensing lines and cause chain reactions, posing a risk to neighboring cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a support plate with a partitioned passage system that directs high-temperature gases away from sensing lines, using a partition wall to separate discharge paths and protect the sensing line from direct exposure, while also guiding gas flow to reduce thermal propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensing line is installed in a battery module to measure voltage or temperature of battery cells, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the sensing line is vulnerable to damage from high-temperature gas discharge, causing electrical shorts and fires
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into multiple passages: a first passage for sensing line installation and a second passage for gas discharge. This segmentation physically separates the sensing line from the high-temperature gas flow path, allowing the sensing line to maintain its monitoring function while being protected from thermal damage and electrical shorts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate acts as an intermediary structure between the battery cells and the sensing line. It provides a protected pathway (first passage) for the sensing line while directing gas discharge through a separate pathway (second passage), thereby mediating the interaction between monitoring requirements and thermal safety concerns.
2Productivity
If battery cells are arranged in a compact battery module to improve energy density, then the productivity is improved, but thermal propagation between neighboring cells increases when one cell ignites
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate creates segmented gas discharge pathways (second passage) that channel high-temperature gas away from neighboring battery cells. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled thermal propagation while maintaining compact cell arrangement, thus preserving energy density while reducing thermal runaway risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful high-temperature gas discharge into a controlled flow pattern. By providing a dedicated discharge pathway (second passage) that directs gas away from sensitive components and neighboring cells, the harmful thermal energy is channeled in a predictable manner that actually protects the battery module structure and reduces random thermal propagation.
3Reliability
If a partitioned passage system is added to the support plate to protect sensing lines and direct gas flow, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for battery cells, houses protected pathways for sensing lines (first passage), and directs gas discharge (second passage). This multi-functionality achieves reliable sensing line protection and thermal safety without adding separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sensing line protection function and the gas discharge guidance function into a single integrated support plate structure. By combining these functions into one component with internally partitioned passages, the design achieves comprehensive safety and monitoring protection while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate protective devices.
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 effectively protects sensing lines from high-temperature gases, reducing the risk of electrical shorts and fires, and delays thermal propagation within the battery module and pack, enhancing safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a partition wall comparting the plurality of inlet ports from the first passage to block gas passing through the plurality of inlet ports from moving to the first passage
Implementation Method 2
a second passage through which gas passing through the plurality of inlet ports flows
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells respectively including an electrode terminal and a vent; a busbar assembly including a plurality of busbars electrically connected to the electrode terminal and a support plate supporting the plurality of busbars; and a sensing line connected to the battery cell to sense a state of the battery cell, and installed on the support plate, wherein the support plate includes a plate body opposing the vent and including a plurality of inlet ports through which gas discharged from the vent passes, a first passage in which the sensing line is installed, and a partition wall comparting the plurality of inlet ports from the first passage to block gas passing through the plurality of inlet ports from moving to the first passage.