Output Electrode Plate Fuse Design for Battery Module Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power battery systems lack effective safety structures at the module level to prevent external short-circuits, which can lead to thermal runaway or explosions, especially in pouch-type modules where single cells are not protected by fuses.
Innovation Solution
An output electrode plate with a first metal plate featuring a through hole and overcurrent portions, designed to create a minimum overcurrent section that fuses when excessive current is detected, ensuring safety and structural integrity by minimizing the risk of breakage and providing protection against external short-circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general safety fuse is designed in the main circuit of the battery package system, then overload protection of the whole battery system circuit and external short-circuit protection of the entire package are achieved, but module-level external short-circuit protection is not covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the safety protection system into multiple levels: package-level fuses and module-level fuses. Each module is equipped with its own fuse structure, allowing independent protection of individual modules while maintaining overall system safety. This segmentation enables targeted protection without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces module-level protection as an additional dimension of safety beyond the existing package-level protection. By adding fuses at the module level (a different hierarchical dimension), the system achieves comprehensive multi-level protection without fundamentally redesigning the existing package-level safety architecture.
2Reliability
If safety structures are designed at the single cell level within pouch-type single cells, then external short-circuit and overcharge safety are ensured, but the structural space arrangement inside the cell prevents effective safety structure design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety fuse function with the existing module structure by integrating the fuse into the output electrode plate. This combination eliminates the need for separate safety components within the confined cell space, as the electrode plate itself serves as both a functional and safety component.
Solution Approach 2:
The output electrode plate performs dual functions: it serves as the electrical connection component and simultaneously acts as the safety fuse structure. The electrode plate's own material properties and geometric design enable it to provide overcurrent protection without requiring additional dedicated safety components.
3Reliability
If the through hole is positioned centrally in the first overcurrent portion, then the minimum overcurrent section is optimized, but the structural strength of the first metal plate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different design priorities to different regions of the electrode plate. The first overcurrent portion is designed with a through hole to optimize fuse function, while the second region maintains solid continuous structure to provide mechanical strength. This local differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric distribution of the through hole within the first overcurrent portion, positioning it offset from the center. This asymmetric placement strategically balances the fuse functionality with structural integrity by considering the stress distribution and current flow patterns in the electrode plate.
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 output electrode plate effectively safeguards the battery module by ensuring the minimum overcurrent section is fused in case of excessive current, preventing safety hazards like thermal runaway or explosions, while maintaining structural strength and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first overcurrent portion is provided with a through hole which extends in a thickness direction thereof, a projection of the through hole along the first direction falls within the second region, and the through hole enables the first metal plate to have a minimum overcurrent section passing through the through hole
Implementation Method 2
ensuring the minimum overcurrent section is fused in case of excessive current
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an output electrode plate (10) and a battery module (100). The output electrode plate (10) comprises a first metal plate (11); the first metal plate (11) includes a first region (111) and a second region (112) that are successively distributed in a first direction (X); the first region (111) includes a first overcurrent portion (111a) and a second overcurrent portion (111b) that are successively distributed in a second direction (Y) which intersects with the first direction (X) and are connected with each other, wherein the second region (112) is connected to the first region (111) through the first overcurrent portion (111a); wherein, the first overcurrent portion (111a) is provided with a through hole (111c) which extends in a thickness direction thereof (Z), and a projection of the through hole (111c)along the first direction (X) does not exceed a projection of the second region (112) along the first direction (X) in the second direction (Y), and the first metal plate (11) is formed with a minimum overcurrent section at the through hole (111c), such that the minimum overcurrent section is first fused when a current flowing through the first metal plate (11) is greater than a preset current. (Fig. 1)