Deformable Thermal Barrier Assembly for Swelling Battery Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for battery modules fail to effectively address the issues of cell swelling and potential damage to thermal barriers during charging, leading to compromised thermal insulation and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A thermal barrier system comprising a barrier plate assembly and a deformable spacer assembly, where the deformable spacer elements can deform to accommodate cell swelling and return to their original shape, ensuring consistent thermal insulation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid thermal barriers are used between battery cells, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the thermal barriers are damaged when battery cells swell during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid thermal barriers with a dynamic deformable spacer assembly that can adapt its shape in response to cell swelling forces while maintaining continuous thermal insulation coverage throughout the charging cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier material transitions from rigid to deformable state, changing its mechanical properties to accommodate varying cell volumes during charging while preserving thermal insulation functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable spacer elements are made softer to accommodate cell swelling, then adaptability to cell expansion is improved, but thermal insulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable spacer assembly uses composite material structure combining soft deformable base material with integrated rigid barrier plate assembly, achieving both swelling accommodation and thermal insulation capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier system is segmented into deformable spacer elements and rigid barrier plates working together, where each component performs its specialized function while contributing to overall system performance
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 proposed thermal barrier system effectively manages heat transfer between adjacent battery cells, adapts to cell swelling, and maintains structural integrity, thereby enhancing the performance and safety of battery modules.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable spacer elements are configured to deform when a force is exerted by the first battery cell and/or the second battery cell on the thermal barrier
Implementation Method 2
one or more barrier plates designed to prevent or limit the transfer of heat between the first battery cell and the second battery cell
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal barrier for use in a battery module includes a barrier plate assembly configured to be positioned between a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The barrier plate assembly comprises one or more barrier plates configured to prevent or limit the transfer of heat between the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The thermal barrier also includes a deformable spacer assembly comprising one or more deformable spacer elements. A force exerted by the first battery cell and/or the second battery cell on the thermal barrier is configured to be transmitted through the deformable spacer assembly. The thermal barrier can be used in various battery modules to improve thermal management and safety.