Open-Top Battery Cell Module for Cooling and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell modules face complexity in design and installation due to the need for upper and lower shells, which restricts geometric solutions and cooling systems, and are difficult to implement effectively, especially in mobile and stationary applications.
Innovation Solution
A top shell-free battery cell module design where battery cells are mechanically fixed and electrically connected exclusively in the lower shell receptacles, allowing for flexible cooling medium flow and reduced weight, with specific connections and cooling elements to enhance heat transfer and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If upper and lower shells are used to fix battery cells, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the upper shell from the battery module structure, extracting only the necessary lower shell with receptacles for cell fixation. This eliminates redundant components while maintaining mechanical stability through the optimized lower shell design that provides both support and electrical contact functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the lower shell structure: mechanical support, cell fixation through receptacles, and electrical contact provision. By merging these functions into a single component rather than requiring separate upper and lower shells, the design reduces complexity while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If upper and lower shells are used for battery cell fixation, then mechanical support is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper shell is completely removed from the structure, extracting only the essential lower shell component. This reduction in structural components directly decreases the overall volume required for battery module installation while sufficient mechanical support is maintained through the lower shell's receptacle design.
3Temperature
If cooling lines are integrated into upper and lower shells, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex integrated cooling line system within upper and lower shells is replaced by direct cooling medium flow through the battery module. Cooling channels are simplified to allow direct flow around cells, eliminating the need for complex piping while maintaining effective heat removal.
4Device complexity
If electrical contact is made on one side only, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lower shell with its receptacles serves as an intermediary component that provides both mechanical fixation and electrical contact. The receptacles are designed to simultaneously secure the battery cell and establish reliable electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate contact mechanisms while managing precision requirements through integrated design.
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 simplifies cooling, reduces installation space, increases specific energy density, and accommodates manufacturing tolerances, enabling efficient energy storage in various applications while allowing for modular adaptation to cooling and electrical requirements.
Implementation Method 1
cooling medium flow around the individual battery cells
Data Source
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Figure 11~12
AI summary
The battery cell module (100) does not have an upper shell. Battery cell modules (103) are accommodated in receptacles (102) of a lower shell (101) and are secured therein by way of a first longitudinal end (105). Here, the fixing is performed, for example, in a non-positively and/or positively locking manner. Owing to the design without an upper shell, the weight of the battery cell module (100) can be reduced, as a result of which the specific power density increases. At the same time, the design is independent of differences in length of the individual battery cells.