Battery Module Pressure Balancing Vent for High-Level Degassing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in effectively managing gas release during high-level degassing events without increasing the module's size or assembly space, particularly in 48-Volt modules, where current pressure balancing units either fail to contain gas or require large openings that compromise the module's structure.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a pressure balancing unit with an oval or keyhole-shaped opening and a plastic membrane, secured by a frame element, which allows gas escape while maintaining a compact size and ensuring a secure connection with the housing, eliminating the need for a separate burst element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure balancing unit with a circular membrane is used, then the unit can be made compact, but it cannot allow all gas to escape during high-level degassing events (hazard level 4)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the opening shape from a conventional circular form to an oblong or keyhole shape. This asymmetric geometry increases the opening area in critical directions while maintaining a compact overall footprint, enabling complete gas escape during hazard level 4 degassing events without increasing the pressure balancing unit's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the opening by transitioning from a circular cross-section to an oblong or keyhole-shaped cross-section. This parameter change increases the effective opening area and alters the gas flow characteristics, allowing the membrane to rupture and release all gas during high-level degassing events while maintaining a compact unit size.
2Reliability
If the opening area is increased to allow complete gas escape, then gas release reliability improves, but the pressure balancing unit size increases and affects housing configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a circular opening (isotropic in all directions) to an oblong or keyhole-shaped opening (anisotropic with extended dimensions in specific directions). This allows the opening to provide sufficient area for complete gas escape while maintaining a compact footprint in the housing plane, as the extended dimensions are oriented to minimize impact on housing configuration and assembly space.
3Reliability
If a burst element is added to the pressure balancing unit, then gas release capability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the membrane and the burst element into a single integrated component. The membrane itself is designed with the oblong or keyhole-shaped opening and is configured to rupture during degassing events, eliminating the need for a separate burst element. This integration reduces device complexity, decreases the number of components, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable gas release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the pressure balancing element and the burst element. The oblong or keyhole-shaped opening geometry enables the membrane to provide both normal pressure balancing operation and complete gas release during hazard level 4 events, making the membrane a universal component that eliminates the need for additional specialized elements.
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 solution enables reliable gas release during high-level degassing events without enlarging the module, reduces costs, and maintains structural integrity by using a compact pressure balancing unit with a plastic membrane and frame element, meeting sealing specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure balancing unit, which comprises a membrane... allows all of gas to escape in a degassing event with a hazard level of 4
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module has a housing, in which a plurality of battery cells can be received. The housing includes a pressure balancing unit, which includes a membrane. The pressure balancing unit includes a cross-sectional area that is an oval and configured as an oblong hole or in a keyhole shape.