Deformable Thermal Plate for Battery Cell Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing energy stores, such as lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in achieving stable and efficient temperature control due to mechanical inflexibility and production-related unevenness between the cell housing and temperature control plates, leading to limited heat transfer and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a temperature control plate with deformable contact areas made of heat-conducting materials, where energy input is used to bring the contact areas into a deformable state, allowing for improved adaptation and secure fixation of cells, enhancing heat conduction and eliminating the need for electrical insulation, thus improving temperature control and reducing production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional rigid temperature control plates are used, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal contact homogeneity deteriorates due to mechanical inflexibility and production unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the temperature control plate by heating it above its glass transition temperature, transforming it from a rigid state to a deformable state. This allows the plate to adapt to production unevenness and achieve homogeneous thermal contact with cells, while maintaining structural stability through controlled parameter change rather than permanent structural modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by making the temperature control plate capable of changing its shape in response to thermal energy input. The plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deformable structure that can adapt to cell variations, improving thermal contact without compromising overall structural integrity through the reversibility of the deformation
2Reliability
If electrical insulators are added between cells and temperature control plates, then short circuit prevention is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management function and electrical insulation function into a single integrated temperature control plate. By using intrinsically electrically insulating heat-conducting materials, the plate simultaneously provides thermal contact and electrical isolation, eliminating the need for separate insulator components and reducing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal conduction, electrical insulation, and mechanical support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly steps while maintaining both thermal efficiency and electrical safety
3Manufacturing precision
If deformable contact areas are implemented, then thermal contact efficiency is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deformation systems with a simplified thermal field approach. Instead of using mechanical pressure or complex molding processes to achieve contact, the invention uses controlled heating to induce reversible deformation, allowing the plate to adapt to cell surfaces through thermal energy rather than mechanical force, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the glass transition phase transition of the temperature control plate material to enable deformation. By heating the plate above its glass transition temperature, the material transitions from a rigid glassy state to a more compliant rubbery state, allowing easy deformation for thermal contact without requiring complex mechanical systems, and then returns to the rigid state upon cooling to maintain structural stability
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
This method enables efficient and homogeneous temperature control across the full surface of the cells, increasing their service life and reducing production costs by ensuring a stable and cost-effective manufacturing process while minimizing the risk of short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control plate at least partially including a heat-conducting material
Implementation Method 2
at least one contact area of the temperature control plate being deformable or transferable into a deformable state with the aid of an energy input
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an electrochemical energy store, includes: a) providing a temperature control plate, the temperature control plate at least partially including a heat-conducting material, and at least one contact area of the temperature control plate being deformable or transferable into a deformable state with the aid of an energy input; b) if necessary, bringing at least one contact area of the temperature control plate into a deformable state with the aid of an energy input; c) applying at least one cell to at least one contact area; and d) setting at least the at least one contact area of the temperature control plate. Also described is an electrochemical energy store.