Deformable End Plate for Battery Cell Stack Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery systems face challenges in maintaining optimal pressure conditions for battery cells due to inherent length tolerances and swelling, leading to reduced performance and requiring costly adjustments during assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A deformable end plate with deformation structures that include compression and extension portions, allowing for constant pressure application over the cell stack's lifetime, compensating for production tolerances and swelling through elastic and plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid end plates are used to maintain structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate length tolerances and swelling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic structure with deformation structures that can adapt their shape. The deformation structures include compression portions and extension portions that can elastically and plastically deform to accommodate variations in cell stack length while maintaining contact and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate's geometric parameters are changed by incorporating deformation structures with specific compression and extension portions. These structures allow the end plate to change its shape and absorb dimensional variations, transforming the rigid parameter into a flexible one that adapts to swelling and tolerance variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise assembly adjustments are made to maintain optimal pressure, then pressure consistency is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate with deformation structures performs self-adjustment during assembly. The compression and extension portions automatically deform to accommodate length tolerances and maintain optimal pressure distribution without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation structures are designed in advance to provide cushioning against dimensional variations. The compression portions and extension portions are pre-configured to absorb swelling and tolerance variations, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments.
3Reliability
If the end plate is designed to accommodate swelling and tolerances, then reliability is improved, but structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into rigid support areas and flexible deformation structures. The deformation structures are further divided into compression portions and extension portions that can independently deform to accommodate variations while the overall plate structure maintains its load-bearing capability.
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
Ensures consistent pressure on the cell stack, improving performance and reducing the need for precise assembly adjustments, while accommodating variations in cell stack length and swelling, thus enhancing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for constant pressure application over the cell stack's lifetime, compensating for production tolerances and swelling through elastic and plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
allowing for constant pressure application over the cell stack's lifetime, compensating for production tolerances and swelling through elastic and plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system includes battery cells arranged along a stacking axis to form a cell stack, a cell stack frame accommodating the cell stack, and an end plate at an end of cell stack frame. The end plate includes a plate element in contact with the cell stack and deformation structures extending from opposite sides of the plate element substantially parallel to the stacking axis. Each deformation structure includes a first compression portion and a first extension portion connected in series and overlapping each other in a direction perpendicular to the stacking axis. The end plate, in an assembled position, is supported by the cell stack frame such that the first compression portion is compressed, the first extension portion is extended, and the plate element exerts a pressure onto the cell stack.