Battery Module Vent-Blocking Insulation for Thermal Runaway Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face challenges in effectively managing heat transfer between battery cells and preventing thermal runaway, which can lead to fires and damage to the module.

Innovation Solution

The battery module incorporates a housing with multiple battery cells, each equipped with a first insulating member facing one surface and a second insulating member extending from the first insulating member to face the opposing surface. The second insulating member includes a third extension that faces the vent of the battery cell, and a fire extinguishing member is integrated into the second insulating member to supply a fire extinguishing agent in case of overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulating members are added between battery cells, then heat transfer between cells is reduced and thermal runaway is delayed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal runaway preventionVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second insulating member is integrated into the housing structure, with its first surface attached to the housing's inner wall and its second surface facing the battery cell. This nesting approach embeds the insulating function within the existing housing, reducing overall complexity while maintaining thermal isolation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the battery cells, and through the integrated second insulating member, provides thermal insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate insulating components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If fire extinguishing members are integrated into the insulating member, then fire spread is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire spread preventionVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguishing member is integrated into the second insulating member, with the insulating member serving as the housing for the fire extinguishing agent. This nested configuration combines thermal insulation and fire suppression functions into a single integrated component, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall module structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second insulating member performs dual functions: providing thermal insulation between the battery cell and housing, and housing the fire extinguishing member for fire suppression. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fire suppression components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the area of the first insulating member is larger than the first surface, then heat transfer is more effectively reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer reductionVSAvoidinsulating member area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first insulating member is applied to the first surface of the battery cell with an area larger than the surface itself, extending beyond the cell boundaries. This local quality enhancement ensures complete coverage of the heat-generating surface and provides additional thermal buffer zones, effectively reducing heat transfer to adjacent cells while the extended area can be easily manufactured using standard coating or bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration reduces heat transfer between adjacent battery cells, delays thermal runaway, and prevents the spread of fires by blocking flame and gas introduction into adjacent cells' vents. Additionally, the fire extinguishing member promptly extinguishes any fires that occur, preventing further cell ignition.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first insulating member facing the first surface of the battery cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one second insulating member extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of the battery cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250174811A1Battery module

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A battery module including a housing, a plurality of battery cells each disposed in the housing and comprising a first surface and a second surface that intersect each other, at least one first insulating member facing the first surface of the battery cell, and at least one second insulating member extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of the battery cell.