Battery Cell Retention Frame With Cooling Plate for Easier Module Build
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules with cylindrical battery cells face challenges in efficiently retaining and cooling the cells due to complex and difficult-to-manufacture retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell retention frame is designed with a central cooling plate member, intermediate walls forming an internal cooling channel, and exterior plates, along with thermally conductive layers, to securely hold and cool cylindrical battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex retention mechanisms are used for cylindrical battery cells, then the battery cells can be securely retained, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention frame and cooling plate into a single integrated component. The retention frame includes side walls that directly form retention pockets for the battery cells, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms. This integration maintains secure cell retention while significantly simplifying manufacturing, as the combined component can be produced as a single piece rather than assembling multiple complex parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, retains the cylindrical battery cells through its side wall configuration, and conducts heat away from the cells through integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable cell retention.
2Productivity
If multiple cylindrical battery cells are packed into a battery module, then energy/power output increases, but the retention mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention frame is divided into multiple retention pockets formed by the side walls, with each pocket accommodating a cylindrical battery cell. The cooling plate is segmented with multiple cooling channels that correspond to each cell position. This segmentation allows efficient packing of multiple cells while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as an integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retention structure and cooling system into a single integrated frame assembly. The side walls form retention pockets for multiple cells while simultaneously incorporating cooling channels that service each cell. This combination enables high cell density for improved energy output without requiring complex separate retention mechanisms for each cell.
3Temperature
If a central cooling plate with internal cooling channels is used, then cooling efficiency improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is integrated directly into the retention frame structure, forming a unified component rather than a separate assembly. The internal cooling channels are formed within the frame itself, allowing efficient heat removal from the battery cells while maintaining a simple single-piece structure that reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are strategically positioned within the retention frame to provide targeted cooling at each battery cell location. The side walls are configured to conduct heat from specific cell regions to corresponding cooling channels, optimizing cooling efficiency without requiring a complex overall structural design.
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 effectively retains and cools multiple cylindrical battery cells on opposite sides of the central cooling plate, enhancing energy/power output while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
first and second thermally conductive layers being disposed on the first and second outer surfaces, respectively
Implementation Method 2
an internal cooling channel therebetween that fluidly communicates with the first and second manifold portions
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell retention frame includes a central cooling plate member having first and second manifold portions and first and second intermediate walls coupled to the first and second manifold portions. The first and second intermediate walls define an internal cooling channel therebetween that fluidly communicates with the first and second manifold portions. The battery cell retention frame includes first and second exterior plates that are coupled to the first and second manifold portions, respectively. The first and second intermediate walls have first and second outer surfaces, respectively, disposed opposite to one another. The battery cell retention frame includes first and second thermally conductive layers that are disposed on the first and second outer surfaces, respectively.