Nestable Cross-Member Beams for Battery Pack Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traction battery packs in electrified vehicles face challenges in managing battery cell vent byproducts during thermal events, requiring effective venting solutions to prevent damage and ensure structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of nestable cross-member beams with integrated venting passageways and valve assemblies within the battery pack, allowing for the directed expulsion of vent byproducts through vehicle body components, thereby maintaining structural integrity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate venting components are used, then venting function is provided, but device complexity and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate venting components into a single integrated cross-member assembly. The cross-member beam integrates vent openings, venting passageways, and valve assemblies into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate venting components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the venting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-member assembly employs a nested structure where the valve assembly is positioned within the enclosure assembly, and the venting passageway is formed within the cross-member beam structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall space required while maintaining all necessary venting functions.
2Reliability
If separate venting components are used, then venting is provided, but space utilization and structural compactness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member beam merges the vent openings, venting passageways, and structural support functions into a single integrated component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate venting housings and mounting structures, significantly reducing the volume occupied by venting systems while maintaining all necessary venting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-member assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery cells, establishes venting passageways, houses valve assemblies, and directs vent byproducts. This multi-functionality reduces the total volume required compared to separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If complex venting systems are implemented, then venting capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and ease of manufacture are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member beam is manufactured as a single integrated component with vent openings and passageways formed directly into its structure. This eliminates the need for complex assembly operations involving multiple separate venting parts, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining sophisticated venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system is segmented into modular functional elements (vent openings in cross-member beam, venting passageways, valve assemblies) that are integrated into the cross-member structure. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured independently and then assembled as a complete unit, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
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 solution effectively manages battery cell vent byproducts during thermal events, enhancing the structural integrity and safety of the traction battery pack by ensuring controlled venting and preventing damage from internal pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-member assembly includes a venting passageway disposed between the first cross-member beam and the second cross-member beam
Implementation Method 2
a valve assembly is fluidly connected to the venting passageway
Data Source
AI summary
Nestable cross-member beams are provided for use within traction battery packs. A first cross-member beam of a first cell stack may nest together with a second cross-member beam of a second cell stack to establish a structural cross-member assembly between the first and second cell stacks at a location inside the traction battery pack. The structural cross-member assembly may include one or more venting passageways that facilitate the venting of battery cell vent byproducts to a location external to the traction battery pack during battery thermal events. The venting passageways may direct the vent byproducts through one or more valve assemblies provided within an enclosure assembly of the traction battery pack. The valve assemblies may direct the vent byproducts through one or more vehicle body components.