Cylindrical Cell Holder Assembly for End-Directed Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery packs, heat generated in cylindrical cells is not efficiently transferred from the cells to the end holders, which can lead to increased cell temperature and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A battery unit design featuring a cell holder with a first end holder, an intermediate holder, and a second end holder, where the intermediate holder has a smaller inner diameter than the cell, and the mating surfaces between holders include intersection surfaces orthogonal to the cell's length direction, facilitating efficient heat transfer from the cell to the end holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the intermediate holder has a smaller inner diameter than the cylindrical cell, then heat transfer efficiency from cell to holder is improved, but the structural integrity and fit between holder and cell may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cell holder is divided into three separate components: a first end holder, an intermediate holder, and a second end holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the intermediate holder can have a smaller inner diameter for improved heat transfer contact with the cell, while the end holders provide robust structural support and secure the cell ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The three separate holder components are joined together through mating surfaces to form a complete cell holder assembly. The first end holder, intermediate holder, and second end holder are connected via first and second mating surfaces, combining their individual functions into a unified structure that provides both optimal heat transfer and structural integrity.
2Temperature
If the mating surfaces include intersection surfaces orthogonal to the cell length direction, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mating surfaces between holder components include intersection surfaces that extend in directions orthogonal to the cell length direction. This dimensional approach creates additional heat transfer pathways across the mating surfaces, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently from the cell through the holder assembly in multiple directions rather than solely along the cell length.
3Temperature
If the cell holder components are tightly fitted to the cylindrical cell, then heat transfer is improved, but the assembly and disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cell holder into three separate components, the patent enables tight fitting and optimal heat transfer contact between each component and the cell without requiring the entire holder to be a single difficult-to-assemble piece. The segmented design allows for simpler, more manageable assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining effective thermal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate holder acts as a mediator component between the two end holders, providing a connection point that facilitates assembly. The intermediate holder with its smaller inner diameter creates a stable intermediate connection, making the overall assembly process more manageable compared to a single-piece holder 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
This design enhances heat dissipation from the cylindrical cells to the end holders, prolonging the cell's lifespan and preventing temperature increases, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
heat generated in the cylindrical cell is transmitted to a wall portion of the case through the cell holder... heat moves from the end holder of the cell holder to the wall portion of the case
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery unit capable of efficiently moving heat from a cylindrical cell to an end holder. The battery unit of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cylindrical cells and a cell holder. The cell holder includes a first end holder, an intermediate holder, and a second end holder that are arranged in order in a length direction. The intermediate holder includes an intermediate cylindrical hole, a first opening, a first edge, a second opening, and a second edge. The first end holder includes a first cylindrical hole, a third opening, and a third edge. The second end holder includes a second cylindrical hole, a fourth opening, and a fourth edge. The first edge and the third edge constitute an annular first mating surface. The second edge and the fourth edge constitute a second mating surface. At least one of the first mating surface and the second mating surface includes an intersection surface whose sectional shape intersects a planar direction orthogonal to the length direction. An inner diameter of the intermediate cylindrical hole is smaller than an outer diameter of the cylindrical cell.