Flexible Battery Module Structure for Curved Bicycle Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules for electric bicycles are limited in versatility due to their straight arrangement, restricting their use to straight lower tubes and lacking adaptability to curved frames.

Innovation Solution

A battery module comprising a plurality of battery assemblies connected by a flexible rod that can be bent to form a curved structure, allowing installation on bicycle frames with various curvatures, and featuring conductive elastic pieces for electrical connections between assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to increase current delivery capability, then the amount of connection material required increases, but this leads to increased module width and difficulty in fitting into vehicle battery packs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent delivery capabilityVSAvoidmodule width
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where battery cells are connected in parallel across the width of the module to a three-dimensional arrangement where cells are stacked vertically and connected in series. This dimensional change eliminates the need for extensive lateral connection materials while maintaining electrical connectivity through vertical stacking and series configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery module is segmented into multiple stacks, each containing series-connected battery cells. This segmentation allows the module to achieve high power output through series connection of multiple smaller units, avoiding the need for large parallel connection areas while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If battery cells are connected in series to increase voltage output, then the number of connection points increases, but this complicates the connection structure and increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple battery cell connection functions are merged into a single integrated connection structure. The connection structure includes a first connection piece that simultaneously connects multiple first battery cells, and a second connection piece that connects multiple second battery cells, reducing the number of discrete connection points and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is designed as a universal component that can connect multiple battery cells simultaneously. The first connection piece and second connection piece serve multiple functions: providing electrical connectivity, mechanical support, and structural integration, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

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

3Power

If extensive connection material is used to connect battery cells in parallel, then current delivery is improved, but the module width increases and fitting into vehicle battery packs becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent deliveryVSAvoidmodule width
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for extensive lateral connection materials by transitioning to a vertical stacking arrangement where battery cells are connected in series. Current delivery is maintained through the series connection architecture, which achieves high power output without requiring wide module dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the parallel connection requirement entirely from the system architecture. By designing battery cells with opposite polarities facing each other and connecting them in series through integrated connection pieces, the need for additional parallel connection materials is completely eliminated, reducing module width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4404351B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4404351B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4404351B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4404351B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a plurality of battery assemblies and a flexible rod. Each battery assembly includes a frame and at least one battery unit, and the battery unit is disposed within the frame. The flexible rod sequentially passes through the battery assemblies, and the battery assemblies jointly construct a curved structure by bending the flexible rod.