Cylindrical Battery Module Gas Discharge Paths for Chain Ignition Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in preventing secondary explosions of cylindrical battery cells due to external impacts or abnormal operations, which can lead to chain ignitions and increased safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a gas discharge path extending in multiple directions within upper and lower cases, accompanied by a cover sheet and wire type bus bars, to effectively discharge gases and flames away from adjacent cells, thereby preventing secondary explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are arranged closely to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but the risk of secondary explosion increases due to heat transfer between adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into isolated compartments using partition walls that segment the space between adjacent battery cells. This segmentation prevents direct heat transfer and flame propagation between cells while maintaining close arrangement for high energy density. Each cell is effectively isolated in its own spatial compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas discharge paths as intermediary channels between battery cells. These paths provide a controlled route for gas and flame discharge that prevents direct interaction between adjacent cells. The intermediary structure allows pressure equalization while blocking harmful heat and flame transfer.
2Strength
If a rigid metal can structure is used for battery cells, then mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but the explosion risk increases due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas discharge function from the rigid metal can structure by providing separate external gas discharge paths. This allows the metal can to maintain its mechanical strength while the extracted discharge paths handle pressure relief, preventing pressure buildup that could cause explosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing gas discharge paths that can accommodate pressure buildup before it reaches dangerous levels. The partition walls and discharge paths are designed in advance to absorb and redirect pressure, preventing catastrophic failure of the rigid metal can structure.
3Reliability
If battery management systems and safety devices are added to prevent explosions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service safety mechanisms where the physical structure itself (partition walls, gas discharge paths) provides protection without requiring active control systems. The structure automatically prevents heat transfer and provides pressure relief, eliminating the need for complex monitoring and control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas and flame discharge into a beneficial safety feature by providing controlled discharge paths. Instead of trying to prevent all gas generation, the design harnesses the discharge process to safely vent pressure and prevent more serious explosions, turning a potential hazard into a protective mechanism.
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 design effectively disperses heat and flames from an exploding cell, reducing the risk of secondary ignitions by ensuring gases and flames are quickly discharged, thus enhancing the stability and safety of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
a gas discharge path extending in front, back, left, and right directions to externally discharge a gas discharged from the plurality of cylindrical battery cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a battery module for effectively preventing a secondary explosion of a cylindrical battery cell. The battery module includes: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, each having at least two electrode terminals having different polarities formed at one end portion; an upper case and an lower case including an accommodating portion where a space in which the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are inserted and accommodated is formed, a gas discharge path extending in front, back, left, and right directions to externally discharge a gas discharged from the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and where an open portion externally exposed is formed, and a gas discharge hole opened such that the gas discharge path is connected to the outside; a cover sheet disposed between the upper case and the lower case to cover the open portion of the gas discharge path; and a plurality of wire type bus bars configured to electrically contact and connect the electrode terminals of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to each other.