Battery Pack Bottom-Side Venting for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs used in vehicles are prone to thermal runaway, which can cause safety issues due to high heat generated during thermal runaway exceeding the melting point of common materials used for top covers, leading to potential hazards for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design with a pressure relief structure and terminal assembly located on the same side and facing the bottom surface of the battery box, preventing gas from being ejected directly towards the top cover during thermal runaway, and optimizing space utilization by ensuring a gap between the battery and the bottom surface, thereby reducing damage and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure relief structure and terminal assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the battery body, then the space utilization is improved, but the safety is worsened due to gas ejection towards the top cover during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief structure and terminal assembly are merged into the same side of the battery body, specifically the bottom side. This combination ensures that when thermal runaway occurs and gas is ejected through the pressure relief structure, the terminal assembly is positioned away from the top cover, preventing gas from entering the passenger compartment and improving safety.
2Reliability
If the battery is placed closer to the top cover, then the space utilization is improved, but the safety is worsened due to increased risk of thermal runaway affecting the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The solution shifts the protective arrangement from vertical spacing (distance from top cover) to horizontal/side positioning by placing the pressure relief structure and terminal assembly on the bottom side of the battery body. This dimensional change allows the battery to be positioned closer to the top cover for better space utilization while maintaining safety through the side-oriented pressure relief path that directs gas away from the passenger compartment.
3Reliability
If the pressure relief structure faces the top cover, then the gas ejection path is simplified, but the safety is worsened due to gas entering the passenger compartment during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing the pressure relief structure to face the top cover for simplified gas ejection, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the pressure relief structure on the bottom side of the battery body, opposite to the top cover. This inversion ensures that gas is ejected away from the passenger compartment, prioritizing safety over ejection path simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack and a vehicle are provided. The battery pack includes a battery box (10) and the battery (20). The battery box (10) includes a main body (11) and a top cover (12), the main body (11) includes an opening (111) facing upward, and the top cover (12) is connected to the main body (11) to cover the opening (111). The battery (20) is arranged in the battery box (10), and the battery (20) includes a battery body (21), a pressure relief structure (22) and a terminal assembly (23). The pressure relief structure (22) and the terminal assembly (23) are located on a same side of the battery body (21), and are both disposed toward the bottom surface (112) of the main body (11) opposite to the opening (111).