Battery Module Current Collector Segmentation for Uneven Cell Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current collector arrangements in battery cell modules face challenges when the number of cell rows is not evenly divisible by the P count, leading to design constraints and current imbalance, particularly in cylindrical battery cell modules.
Innovation Solution
A current collector assembly with contact plates and contactor arms that connect battery cells in parallel, using materials like aluminum and copper to ensure balanced current flow and module terminal location, with cover plates directing current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of cell rows is not evenly divisible by the P count, then design flexibility is reduced and current imbalance occurs, but changing the cell row count to be divisible by P count may increase module space requirements or change battery cell size
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into multiple segments corresponding to different cell rows, with each segment independently connected to battery cells in that row. This segmentation allows the current collector to adapt to any number of cell rows while maintaining balanced current distribution, as each segment can be configured to match the actual cell row count without requiring the total to be divisible by P count.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the configurable parameters of the current collector segments, allowing the number of segments and their connections to be adjusted based on the actual cell row count. This parameter flexibility enables the system to work with any cell row configuration while maintaining current balance, eliminating the constraint that cell rows must be divisible by P count.
2Device complexity
If a traditional current collector arrangement is used with odd number of U-turns to achieve desired module terminal location, then device complexity increases, but simplifying the arrangement may compromise terminal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a traditional single-plane current collector with multiple U-turns to a multi-dimensional segmented structure. The segments are arranged in different spatial positions and connected through contactor arms, effectively using dimensional arrangement to achieve terminal positioning without requiring odd numbers of U-turns, thus simplifying the overall arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Contactor arms serve as intermediary elements connecting the segmented current collector segments to each other and to the battery cells. These intermediaries enable flexible electrical connections and positioning adjustments, allowing the module terminals to be located at the desired position while maintaining a simpler overall structure compared to traditional U-turn arrangements.
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 provides a balanced and efficient current flow, minimizing imbalances and simplifying the current collector arrangement while maintaining desired module terminal positioning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one contactor arm extends between adjacent contact plates of the plurality of contact plates to electrically connect the adjacent contact plates
Implementation Method 2
a cover plate is installed to at least one contact plate of the plurality of contact plates
Data Source
AI summary
A current collector of a battery assembly of a vehicle includes a plurality of contact plates. Each contact plate has a contactor at each end of the contact plate configured for electrical connection to a battery cell of a battery assembly. The plurality of contact plates are arranged to connect battery cells arranged along a same cell row of the battery assembly in parallel. A battery cell module of a vehicle includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, and a current collector assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and configured to direct a current flow from a first module terminal to a second module terminal. The first module terminal and the second module terminal are located at a same lateral side of the battery cell module.