Battery Module Pressure Release Vent With Passive Rupture Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module pressure relief systems, such as those described in Chinese Patent Application No. CN211980738, are complex and costly due to the inclusion of controllers and sensors, which can introduce potential points of failure during thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a gas-impermeable pressure release vent with a body having a pocket overlaying a passage, where the pocket includes sections with varying thicknesses to fail and allow pressure release, eliminating the need for controllers and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller and sensor system is used to control the pressure relief valve, then the pressure relief operation can be controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief vent is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes within the battery module without requiring external control systems. The vent structure itself serves as the sensing and actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate controllers and sensors while maintaining reliable pressure relief operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system (controller and sensors) with a passive mechanical pressure relief mechanism. The vent structure uses inherent mechanical properties to detect and respond to pressure conditions, substituting complex electronic systems with a simpler mechanical solution
2Reliability
If a controller and sensor system is used to control the pressure relief valve, then the pressure relief operation can be controlled, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief vent automatically performs its function based on pressure conditions without requiring expensive electronic control components. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable pressure relief operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, cost-effective pressure relief vent structure that can be manufactured at low cost. The design accepts that the vent may need to fail or be replaced after use, prioritizing low initial cost over long-term durability of the relief mechanism itself
3Volume of moving object
If the battery cells are tightly packed and environmentally sealed, then space utilization is improved, but pressure buildup during cell failure becomes more dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief vent is strategically positioned and designed with specific local structural characteristics (such as varying thickness in different regions) to create a controlled weakness at a specific location. This allows the sealed battery module to maintain high space utilization while having a predetermined failure point that safely relieves pressure during cell failures
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified pressure relief mechanism that safely vents internal pressure during battery cell failures, preventing damage to the battery module and surrounding components.
Implementation Method 1
The pocket of the body includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness
Implementation Method 2
the second portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module has battery cells and a housing. The housing includes a first end plate, a second end plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The battery cells are disposed between the first end plate, the second end plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate. A cover is disposed at least partially over the first end plate, the second end plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate. A pressure release vent couples to the housing and includes an interior surface that defines a plurality of sections that are configured to dislodge from the pressure release vent based on a pressure within the battery module exceeding a pressure threshold. The individual sections pivot about segments during rupture of the pressure release vent.