Battery Module ICB Shared Lead Slot Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules face inefficiencies in the assembling process due to the increased number of lead slots and complex bending requirements for electrode leads, which hinders productivity and quality.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring an ICB assembly with shared lead slots and single-direction bending of electrode leads, reducing the number of lead slots and simplifying the assembly process through the use of insulating ribs to prevent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of lead slots in the ICB assembly is increased to match the number of electrode leads, then each electrode lead can be individually connected, but the assembly process efficiency deteriorates due to increased complexity and narrowed intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection of multiple electrode leads through a single lead slot. Specifically, multiple electrode leads from different battery cells pass through the same lead slot of the ICB assembly and are collectively connected to a single sensing bus bar, thereby reducing the total number of lead slots required while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead slot in the ICB assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it accommodates multiple electrode leads simultaneously and facilitates their collective connection to the sensing bus bar. This multi-functional design allows a single lead slot to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate lead slots.

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

2Reliability

If facing electrode leads are bent in opposite directions toward the sensing bus bar for welding, then proper contact is achieved, but the assembly process complexity increases due to multiple bending directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding connection qualityVSAvoidbending process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric bending where electrode leads are bent in a uniform direction (e.g., all to the left or all to the right) rather than symmetric opposite directions. This asymmetric approach simplifies the bending process while the leads still make proper contact with the sensing bus bar positioned appropriately for the bending direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 design enhances assembly efficiency, reduces assembly time, and increases productivity by minimizing lead slots and simplifying the bending process, thereby improving the overall quality of the battery module and pack.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of electrode leads of the battery cells passing through the lead slots of the ICB assembly and sensing bus bars of the ICB assembly are connected by laser welding or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3336928B1Battery module, battery pack comprising battery module, and vehicle comprising battery pack
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3336928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3336928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells stacked on one another so that a pair of electrode leads protrudes on one side of each battery cell; and an ICB assembly configured to cover one side of the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the pair of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, the ICB assembly having a plurality of lead slots through each of which electrode leads of two battery cells facing each other pass in common.