Modular Thermally Conductive Base Member for Battery Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermally conductive base members lack the ability to adjust size to accommodate varying numbers and sizes of battery packs effectively, limiting their capacity to efficiently dissipate heat from multiple battery cells.

Innovation Solution

A thermally conductive base member design featuring metal base members with female and male coupling portions and rib structures, along with a top plate and port members, allows for adjustable size expansion by coupling multiple base members to create flow channels for heat dissipation, enabling efficient heat transfer from multiple battery packs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size thermally conductive base member is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying numbers and sizes of battery packs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying battery pack configurationsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base member is divided into multiple modular sections, each with coupling portions that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows the base member to be configured in different sizes and shapes to accommodate varying battery pack arrangements while maintaining thermal conductivity across all sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base member incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable coupling portions that allow dynamic modification of the base member's structure. These coupling portions enable users to assemble or disassemble sections based on the specific thermal management requirements of different battery pack configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple base members are coupled together to increase size, then capacity to hold battery packs increases, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to hold battery packsVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base member system is segmented into standardized modules with matching coupling portions. Each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled into larger configurations by coupling multiple modules together, simplifying the assembly process through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portions are designed with universal compatibility across all base member sections. The same coupling mechanism is used throughout the system, allowing any section to be coupled with any other section, reducing assembly complexity through interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If coupling portions are added to enable size adjustment, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base member is manufactured as segmented sections with integrated coupling portions. Each section can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, and the coupling portions are designed to be incorporated into each section during a single manufacturing step, maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portions are merged with the base member sections during manufacturing rather than being added as separate components. This integration allows the coupling features to be created as part of the base member's primary manufacturing process, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for increased capacity to hold multiple battery packs while effectively conducting heat away from them, enhancing thermal management and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

A thermally conductive base member includes a first metal base member and a second metal base member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10170810B2Thermally conductive base member and method of assembling the thermally conductive base member

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A thermally conductive base member and a method of assembly are provided. The thermally conductive base member includes first and second metal base members, and a top plate. The first metal base member has a first bottom plate, first and second female coupling portions, and first and second rib portions. The second metal base member has a second bottom plate, a first male coupling portion, and first and second rib portions. The first male coupling portion is disposed in and coupled to the first female coupling portion. The top plate is coupled to a top surface of the first female coupling portion, a top surface of the second female coupling portion, and the first and second rib portions of the first metal base member such that a first flow channel is defined between the first and second rib portions of the first metal base member and the top plate.