Battery Module Venting Channel for Flame-Safe Thermal Runaway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules are vulnerable to thermal runaway events, which can lead to the propagation of gas, sparks, and flames, potentially causing chain reactions and fires between connected modules, necessitating improved safety mechanisms for venting and flame suppression.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a venting unit with protrusions in the venting channel that deflects gas flow non-linearly, incorporating a plate portion and rim portion for secure attachment, and an adhesive member to prevent sparks and electrode discharges from escaping, while allowing efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a venting hole is formed in the module case to discharge venting gas, then gas discharge efficiency is improved, but sparks and flames may escape causing thermal chain reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing gas discharge efficiencyVSAvoidsparks and flames escape

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The venting unit is segmented into multiple functional regions: a venting channel for gas discharge, protrusions for deflecting flames and sparks, and a rim portion for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling efficient gas venting while preventing harmful factors from escaping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions act as intermediary elements between the venting channel and the external environment. They deflect and redirect flames and sparks away from the discharge path while allowing gas to pass through, serving as a mediator that separates the useful function (gas discharge) from the harmful effect (flame propagation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the venting channel is designed with protrusions to deflect flames, then flame suppression is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame suppressionVSAvoidventing unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are strategically positioned at specific locations within the venting channel where flame deflection is most needed. Rather than making the entire venting unit complex, only specific local regions are modified with protrusions, maintaining simplicity in other areas while achieving effective flame suppression where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions are designed with curved surfaces that naturally deflect flames and sparks away from the discharge path. The curved geometry passively utilizes fluid dynamics principles to redirect hot gases without requiring active control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective flame suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the venting unit is securely attached to the module case, then structural reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing unit attachmentVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rim portion is integrated directly into the venting unit structure, combining the attachment function with the venting channel and protrusions into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment brackets or fastening mechanisms, improving reliability through integrated construction while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 suppresses the discharge of sparks and flames, preventing ignition sources from spreading to adjacent modules and enhancing safety by rapidly venting gases and heat, thus reducing the risk of fires.

Implementation Method 1

a venting unit provided at an outer side of the module case and having a venting channel so that the venting gas discharged from the venting hole is introduced therein and discharged to the outside, the venting unit having a protrusion configured to protrude toward an outer surface of the module case from the inside of the venting channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow deflection:

Implementation Method 2

allowing efficient heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4277000B1Battery module and battery pack with reinforced safety

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module with an improved safety by appropriately controlling venting when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. The battery module includes a cell assembly having at least one battery cell; a module case configured to accommodate the cell assembly in an inner space thereof and having a venting hole formed therein to discharge a venting gas generated from the cell assembly; and a venting unit provided at an outer side of the module case and having a venting channel so that the venting gas discharged from the venting hole is introduced therein and discharged to the outside, the venting unit having a protrusion configured to protrude toward an outer surface of the module case from the inside of the venting channel.