Composite Pad for Battery Module Thermal and Mechanical Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face complexity and increased volume due to the need for separate elastic pads and thermal conductive members between battery cells, which complicates manufacturing and reduces space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A composite pad with both elastic and thermal conductive properties is integrated, where the pad body forms part of the surface and includes a heat conduction part connected to its edge, providing both elasticity and thermal conductivity, thus simplifying the module structure and enhancing cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate elastic pads and cooling members are disposed between battery cells, then both elasticity and thermal conductivity functions are provided, but device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffering swelling and coolingVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the elastic pad and cooling member into a single integrated composite pad. The pad body provides elasticity to buffer battery swelling, while the heat conduction part integrated into the pad structure provides thermal conductivity for cooling. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite pad serves multiple functions simultaneously: the pad body provides elastic buffering against battery swelling, while the integrated heat conduction part provides thermal management. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what previously required separate elastic pads and cooling members, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate elastic pads and cooling members are disposed between battery cells, then both elasticity and thermal conductivity functions are provided, but overall volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffering swelling and coolingVSAvoidbattery module volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the elastic pad and cooling member into one composite pad, the patent eliminates the volume occupied by separate components and their interfaces. The integrated structure reduces the overall space required in the battery module while maintaining both buffering and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat conduction part is integrated within or attached to the pad body structure, creating a nested or combined configuration. This allows the cooling function to be embedded within the elastic buffering structure, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall volume of the battery module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If separate elastic pads and cooling members are used, then both functions are provided, but manufacturing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffering swelling and coolingVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composite pad integrates both the elastic pad body and heat conduction part into a single manufacturable component. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps, eliminates the need for separate positioning and fixation of multiple components, and simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring both buffering and cooling functions are provided.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 composite pad enhances space efficiency and cooling performance by integrating both functions into a single component, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process and allowing for a more compact battery module design.

Implementation Method 1

a pad body with elasticity, and a heat conduction part with thermal conductivity coupled to the pad body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a heat conduction part with thermal conductivity coupled to the pad body and connected to an edge of the pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230198047A1Composite Pad and Battery Module Including the Same

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A composite pad and a battery module including the same are disclosed. The composite pad is a pad including a first pad surface and a second pad surface positioned opposite the first pad surface. The composite pad includes a pad body with elasticity, and a heat conduction part with thermal conductivity coupled to the pad body and connected to an edge of the pad. The pad body forms at least a portion of the first pad surface and forms at least a portion of the second pad surface.