Cell Module Cartridge with Coupling Protrusions for Battery Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pouch-shaped batteries used in middle- or large-sized battery modules face challenges with electrical connection complexity, mechanical strength, and susceptibility to external impacts leading to potential short circuits, requiring a solution for easy assembly, enhanced structural stability, and reduced manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A cell module cartridge with a rectangular structure, through-holes for heat dissipation, coupling protrusions and grooves for stable stacking, and a mounting insulation member for secure electrode terminal connection, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reduced component usage, and improved mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If pouch-shaped batteries are used to reduce weight and manufacturing cost, then weight and cost are improved, but mechanical strength and electrical connection stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery weightVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch-shaped battery is nested within a protective cartridge that provides mechanical strength. The cartridge acts as an outer shell containing the battery, combining the lightweight advantage of the pouch battery with the structural integrity of a rigid container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A cartridge is introduced as an intermediary component between the pouch battery and the battery module structure. This cartridge serves as a mediator that provides mechanical strength and stable coupling interfaces without requiring modifications to the lightweight pouch battery itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If welding is used to connect electrode terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical coupling system. The cartridge provides coupling protrusions and grooves that enable mechanical connection of electrode terminals through simple stacking and coupling operations, eliminating the need for welding skills and equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge structure itself provides the coupling mechanism through its designed protrusions and grooves. The battery cells and connecting members utilize the cartridge's built-in coupling features, making the assembly process self-contained and eliminating the need for external welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple additional members are used for mechanical coupling and electrical connection, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical protection for the battery, structural coupling interfaces for stacking, and electrical connection pathways. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective housings, coupling members, and electrical connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a protective housing, a structural coupling element with protrusions and grooves, and an electrical connection medium. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the battery module assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2067194B8Cell-module cartridge and mid-large battery module including the same
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a cell module cartridge including a cartridge body constructed in a rectangular structure in which a plate-shaped secondary battery cell is mounted to the cartridge body, the cartridge body being open at the top thereof, and a top cover mounted to the open top of the cartridge body while the battery cell is mounted to the cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body is provided at the bottom thereof with a plurality of through-holes, the cartridge body is provided at one side of the upper and lower ends of each side wall thereof with a coupling protrusion and a coupling groove, and the cartridge body is provided at the front thereof with a coupling part, to which an additional member for mounting an electrode terminal connecting member is coupled in an assembly fashion, such that the electrode terminal connecting member is stably connected to the corresponding electrode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, and a middle- or large-sized battery module including the same.