Fluid-Filled Flexible Membrane Clamping for Battery Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems, particularly those with prismatic cells, face challenges due to electrode volume changes during charging and discharging, leading to accelerated aging and increased volume, which requires costly stabilization measures to prevent mechanical stress and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device using a flexible membrane or foil within a receptacle that can be filled with a fluid, allowing for elastic clamping that compensates for electrode swelling, reduces the need for mechanical elements, and provides electrical connectivity while minimizing weight and risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid clamping bands are used to stabilize battery cells, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane instead of rigid clamping bands to stabilize battery cells. The membrane can elastically deform to accommodate electrode volume changes while maintaining mechanical stability, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without compromising stabilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the clamping structure by using a flexible membrane with specific elastic properties. This allows the membrane to adapt its stiffness and deformation characteristics to match the electrochemical processes, providing stable clamping with simpler construction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid clamping structures are used to counteract electrode swelling, then mechanical stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides mechanical stability against electrode swelling while maintaining minimal weight. The thin-film structure offers sufficient elastic resistance to counteract swelling forces without the mass penalty of rigid clamping structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed clamping force is applied, then initial mechanical stability is improved, but reliability decreases due to electrode swelling over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static clamping force to a dynamic system where the flexible membrane continuously adapts to electrode volume changes. The membrane's elastic properties enable it to maintain appropriate clamping force throughout the battery's service life, accommodating swelling during charging cycles and maintaining mechanical stability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane provides self-adjusting clamping force through its elastic deformation. As electrodes swell or contract during electrochemical operation, the membrane automatically adjusts its tension to maintain optimal mechanical contact and stability without external intervention.
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 solution simplifies the battery module structure, reduces weight and component count, enhances reliability, and maintains safety by dynamically adjusting pressure to counteract electrode swelling, thereby extending battery life and preventing power loss and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
A battery module 20 having a clamping device 3001 for clamping a multiplicity of battery cells 1001 . . . 1004 comprises a flexible receptacle 320 which encompasses an internal space 310 having a variable volume
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle 320 can be filled with a fluid 370, by way of example a liquid 370 or a gas 370, so as to apply a force 9201, 9202 for clamping the multiplicity of battery cells 1001 . . . 1004
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping device (300) for battery cells (100), characterized by: a container that comprises a space (310) with a variable volume for receiving a fluid, the container being designed such that a battery cell (100) or a plurality of battery cells (100) can be clamped. The invention also relates to a battery module, a battery, a battery system, a vehicle and a method for producing a battery module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60).