Battery Module Elastic Bead Assembly for Swelling and Pressure Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules struggle to improve battery cell performance and effectively control cell swelling, which can lead to structural damage from expansion.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a base plate, cover plate, and an elastic bead unit with alternating convex and concave elastic members, along with compression pads, to manage cell swelling and maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to configure a battery pack, then the output voltage and charge/discharge capacity can be adjusted to meet different requirements, but the structural complexity and difficulty of controlling cell swelling increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage and charge/discharge capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules, each containing a specific number of battery cells connected in series. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of output voltage and capacity by selectively assembling different numbers of modules, while keeping each module's internal structure simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery module design incorporates universal components including a common support structure with base plate and cover plate, standardized elastic bead units for swelling control, and modular compression pads. This universal design enables the same module structure to accommodate different battery cell configurations (series/parallel arrangements) while maintaining consistent swelling control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If pressing force is applied to the battery cell to improve performance, then lifespan can be improved, but cell swelling control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell lifespanVSAvoidcell swelling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bead units provide dynamic pressing force that automatically adjusts to cell swelling. As the battery cells swell during operation, the elastic beads deform elastically to maintain optimal contact pressure without exceeding damage thresholds. This dynamic mechanism simultaneously improves lifespan through consistent pressure while accommodating swelling without restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing force parameter is changed from a fixed value to a variable that adapts to cell state. The elastic bead units change their mechanical properties (deformation degree) based on cell swelling extent, providing higher pressure when cells are compact and reducing pressure when cells expand, thus managing both lifespan and swelling control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cell swelling is controlled to prevent structural damage, then safety is improved, but battery cell performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural damage from swellingVSAvoidbattery cell performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bead units are pre-installed between the cover plate and battery cells to provide cushioning before swelling occurs. These elastic elements are positioned and pre-compressed to ensure that when cell swelling happens, the cushioning force is already in place to prevent structural damage while maintaining cell performance through gradual, controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enhances battery cell performance by minimizing structural damage from swelling, improving lifespan and safety through controlled deformation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic deformation unit disposed between the contact plate and the cover plate. The elastic deformation unit includes a first elastic member disposed at least partially in contact with the contact plate; and a second elastic member disposed at least partially in contact with the first elastic member and disposed at least partially in contact with the cover plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4207452B1Battery module, battery pack including battery module, and vehicle including battery pack
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4207452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4207452B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4207452B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked on each other, a base plate configured to support a lower side of the battery cell assembly, a cover plate spaced apart from the base plate and configured to cover an upper side of the battery cell assembly, and an elastic bead unit disposed between the cover plate and the battery cell assembly.