Elastic End Plate Structure for Battery Cell Swelling Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary battery cells can swell due to overcharging, external impact, or aging, leading to deformation and damage of the battery module, and existing solutions like compression pads increase production costs and manufacturing time.
Innovation Solution
A battery module is designed with an elastic plate that absorbs impact and swelling, eliminating the need for compression pads, thereby reducing production costs and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression pad is disposed between battery cells to absorb swelling force, then the battery cell swelling is absorbed, but the production cost and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the swelling absorption function with the existing end plate structure by adding an elastic plate to the end plate. This integration eliminates the need for separate compression pads while maintaining the swelling absorption capability. The elastic plate is attached to the end plate and directly contacts the battery cells, providing cushioning force during swelling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate structure is enhanced to perform multiple functions: structural support, swelling absorption, and impact protection. The elastic plate attached to the end plate enables the structure to absorb swelling forces from battery cells while also providing mechanical support and protection against external impacts, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
2Reliability
If a compression pad is disposed between battery cells to absorb swelling force, then the battery cell swelling is absorbed, but the assembly time increases due to additional attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the swelling absorption function with the existing end plate structure by adding an elastic plate to the end plate. This integration eliminates the need for separate compression pads while maintaining the swelling absorption capability. The elastic plate is attached to the end plate and directly contacts the battery cells, providing cushioning force during swelling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plate is pre-attached to the end plate before battery cell installation. This preliminary preparation allows the swelling absorption mechanism to be already in place when battery cells are inserted into the module, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps during assembly and reducing overall manufacturing time.
3Ease of manufacture
If battery cells are disposed in a case to form battery module, then the battery module structure is formed, but the battery module may be deformed and damaged due to battery cell swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic plate is installed on the end plate before battery cells are fully assembled into the module. This pre-positioned elastic component provides immediate cushioning capability when battery cells swell, preventing deformation of the module case and maintaining structural integrity. The elastic plate acts as a preventive measure against swelling-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic material with specific mechanical properties (elasticity, cushioning characteristics) to the end plate structure. This material parameter change enables the structure to dynamically respond to battery cell swelling by deforming elastically, thereby absorbing swelling forces and preventing transmission of these forces to the rigid module case.
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 elastic plate effectively absorbs swelling forces, reducing damage to the battery module, lowering production costs, and shortening assembly time, while also being applicable in eco-friendly electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic plate connected to the plurality of end plates, wherein the elastic plate includes a cover part covering sides of the plurality of battery cells, and a buffer portion extending from the cover part, and disposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module is disclosed. In some implementations, the battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of end plates respectively disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells; and an elastic plate connected to the plurality of end plates, wherein the elastic plate includes a cover part covering sides of the plurality of battery cells, and a buffer portion extending from the cover part, and disposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells.