Battery Venting Structure With Melt-Formed Gas Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle batteries face challenges in efficiently venting gases during thermal runaway while maintaining mechanical stability and rigidity, as known solutions compromise on either venting efficiency or structural support.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with support elements made of a heat-sensitive material that melts to create venting channels and structural elements made of a heat-resistant material to maintain stability, allowing efficient gas ducting and mechanical support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support elements are made of heat-sensitive material that melts during thermal runaway, then venting efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two distinct functional segments: heat-sensitive support elements that melt to create venting channels, and heat-resistant structural elements that maintain mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the battery system are assigned different material properties: heat-sensitive materials are placed where venting channels are needed, while heat-resistant materials are positioned to provide structural support. This local differentiation of material quality enables simultaneous achievement of venting efficiency and mechanical stability.
2Strength
If structural elements are added to maintain mechanical stability, then device complexity increases, but venting channel formation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements and structural elements are integrated into a unified system where the heat-sensitive support elements are embedded within or adjacent to the heat-resistant structural elements. This merging allows the two functional requirements to coexist in a single integrated structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system employs a composite structure combining heat-sensitive and heat-resistant materials in a coordinated arrangement. This composite approach allows the system to exhibit both the venting behavior of heat-sensitive materials and the structural integrity of heat-resistant materials simultaneously.
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 system effectively vents gases during thermal events while providing robust mechanical support, enhancing safety and efficiency by preventing damage and maintaining consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
The two materials differ in heat or flame/fire resistance, with the first material melting or significantly reducing in volume upon being heated by hot vent gases
Implementation Method 2
The two materials differ in heat or flame/fire resistance, with the second material maintaining its structural integrity even when exposed to hot vent gases
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~10
AI summary
A battery system with at least one energy storage unit, a support element, and a structure element is described. The support element extends in a first direction and is made from a first material. The support element couples a unit bottom surface of the at least one energy storage unit to a base surface of the battery system. The structure element is made from a second material and arranged adjacent to the support element at at least two sides of the structure element. The two sides are opposite to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.