Curved Blocking Member for Battery Cell Swelling and Flame Propagation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems lack effective solutions to prevent flame propagation and accommodate swelling of battery cells during ignition or explosion events, which can lead to deformation and additional strain on the battery system.
Innovation Solution
A battery system design that incorporates a blocking member made of a material not melting at 300°C or less, with a curved cross-section, which can be elastically deformed to protrude and absorb swelling, and includes air insulation layers and a heat transfer member to prevent flame and heat propagation between battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flame propagation prevention member is disposed between battery cells to block flames, then flame spread is prevented, but the structure does not accommodate battery cell swelling and causes deformation and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member's cross-sectional shape is changed from flat to curved (sine wave or square wave pattern), enabling it to accommodate battery cell swelling through elastic deformation while maintaining flame blocking capability. This parameter change allows the same component to address both flame propagation and cell expansion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is formed by mixing mica particles with silicone resin, creating a composite material that combines the flame-resistant properties of mica with the elastic deformation capability of silicone resin. This composite structure enables simultaneous flame blocking and swelling accommodation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid blocking structure is used to prevent flame spread, then flame propagation is blocked, but additional components are needed to accommodate swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: blocking flame propagation through its material composition (mica and silicone resin) and accommodating battery cell swelling through its curved cross-sectional shape that enables elastic deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate swelling accommodation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame blocking function and swelling accommodation function are merged into a single blocking member component. The curved cross-section design integrates both capabilities, reducing the overall component count and simplifying the battery system structure.
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 blocks flame propagation and absorbs swelling, maintaining system integrity and preventing additional damage from battery cell expansion, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional pad members.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking member is elastically deformed by pressure applied by a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, when the battery cell expands, to protrude at least a portion of the blocking member out of the cell stack
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of air insulation layers may be provided between the battery cell and the blocking member, facing each other
Implementation Method 3
a heat transfer member disposed between the module case and the cell stack, wherein at least a portion of the blocking member may be inserted into the heat transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system includes a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case accommodating the cell stack therein; and at least one blocking member interposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein the blocking member is formed of a material that does not melt at 300° C. or less, and a cross-section of the blocking member is formed to have a shape in which a curve is repeated.