Pouch Cell Cover Venting for Dense Battery Pack Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face issues with increased weight and volume, reduced energy density, and risk of chain thermal runaway due to difficult handling and mounting of battery cells, especially in pouch-type cells, and ineffective gas and flame discharge during thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that accommodates pouch-type cells directly in a pack case without a module case, using a cell cover with venting holes and channels to discharge gas and flame in a controlled direction, and includes a blocking structure to prevent cell removal and enhance assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are directly mounted on pack case using cell-to-pack method, then energy density is increased, but handling and mounting becomes difficult and risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cell cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cell and pack case. The cell cover includes a insertion groove that receives the battery cell and a blocking portion that prevents removal, facilitating easy installation while maintaining direct mounting benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell cover is divided into multiple functional portions: a first cover portion with insertion groove for receiving the cell, a second cover portion with blocking feature to prevent removal, and a third cover portion with venting hole for thermal runaway protection. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific handling and safety requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells are space-intensively arranged in pack case, then energy density is increased, but gas or flame discharge during thermal runaway is hindered and chain thermal runaway may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cell cover provides localized protection and controlled discharge pathways at each individual cell level. The venting hole in the third cover portion allows each cell to independently discharge gas or flame upward, preventing lateral propagation to adjacent cells while maintaining space-efficient arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting hole directs thermal runaway products in the vertical dimension (upward discharge) rather than allowing horizontal spread. This dimensional redirection enables dense packing while preventing chain thermal runaway by confining the harmful effects to the vertical escape path.
3Weight of stationary object
If pouch-type battery cells are used to increase energy density, then weight and volume are reduced, but handling and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cell cover is prepared in advance with the insertion groove and blocking portion formed before the battery cell is installed. This preliminary preparation of the receiving structure simplifies the mounting process for soft pouch cells, which would otherwise be difficult to handle and position accurately.
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 design reduces overall weight and volume, increases energy density, facilitates handling and mounting, and prevents chain thermal runaway by directing gas and flame discharge, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
discharge gas or flame generated during thermal runaway in an intended direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a pack case having an inner space in which the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are accommodated, and a cell cover at least partially surrounding and supporting at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, in the inner space of the pack case, wherein the cell cover includes a first cover portion covering one side surface of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, a second cover portion covering the other side surface of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, and a third cover portion connecting the first cover portion to the second cover portion and covering an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, wherein a first venting hole through which gas or flame is discharged is formed in at least one portion of the third cover portion.