Battery Module Cell Layout With Intercell Cooling for Flame Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules and packs face issues with flame propagation and thermal runaway due to ignition in battery cells, posing safety risks and stability concerns, particularly in applications like electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring alternating long and short side battery cells with electrode leads positioned differently and a cooling member between cells, including a ruptureable accommodation for cooling material like liquid nitrogen to extinguish flames and prevent heat propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If battery cells are arranged in a conventional stacked configuration, then the battery module structure is simple, but flame easily propagates from one battery cell to another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery module structureVSAvoidflame propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces partition walls between battery cells to divide the internal space into separate compartments. This segmentation prevents flame from propagating from one battery cell to another, while maintaining a relatively simple overall module structure. The partition walls create physical barriers that isolate thermal runaway events to individual cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs cooling members positioned between battery cells as intermediary elements. These cooling members act as thermal barriers that absorb and dissipate heat, preventing flame propagation while maintaining structural simplicity. The cooling members serve as mediators that protect adjacent cells from thermal effects without requiring complex redesign of the battery module architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cooling members are added between battery cells, then flame propagation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame propagationVSAvoidbattery module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling members are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as thermal barriers to prevent flame propagation, provide structural support between cells, and facilitate heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective flame prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the thermal parameters of the cooling members, such as thermal conductivity and heat capacity, to maximize flame prevention effectiveness. By carefully selecting materials and dimensions, the cooling members achieve superior flame blocking performance with minimal impact on the overall device complexity and structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If partition walls are introduced to block flame, then thermal runaway propagation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal runaway preventionVSAvoidbattery module assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates partition walls with existing battery module components such as cell holders or structural frames, combining multiple functions into single elements. This merging approach prevents thermal runaway propagation while avoiding the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for the partition walls, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls are designed as thin, flexible barriers that can be easily installed between battery cells. These thin-film structures provide effective flame blocking while requiring minimal material and simple assembly procedures, thus preventing thermal runaway propagation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or reducing ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively blocks and extinguishes flames, prevents flame spread, and prevents thermal runaway, enhancing safety and stability of battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling member disposed between the plurality of battery cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 2

a ruptureable accommodation for cooling material like liquid nitrogen to extinguish flames

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cryogenics

Data Source

PatentEP4683033A1Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. The battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a cooling member disposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery cells include only a first battery cell having electrode leads respectively formed at both sides thereof, or include only a second battery cell having both electrode leads formed at one side thereof.