Reinforcing Coolant Jacket Layout for Rigid Cell-to-Pack Battery Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery electric vehicles, the cell-to-pack form of battery packs faces challenges in securing rigidity while maintaining battery capacity and cooling functionality, due to limited space and interference from cooling components and wiring.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack configuration that includes a battery case with reinforcing plate-type coolant jackets, which are alternately arranged with cell joined bodies and connected to coolant circulation pipes, enhancing the rigidity of the battery case by joining upper parts of the coolant jackets to the end plates of the battery case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If frames are installed at the battery case to secure rigidity, then the rigidity of the battery case is improved, but the quantity of mounted batteries decreases due to space occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame structure with the coolant jacket by integrating the reinforcing plate into the coolant jacket assembly. The coolant jacket serves dual functions: cooling the battery cells and providing structural reinforcement to the battery case, thereby eliminating the need for separate frames that would occupy additional space
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant jacket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal management component for cooling battery cells and as a structural reinforcement element to improve battery case rigidity. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both cooling and structural support without adding separate components that would reduce battery mounting space
2Temperature
If cooling components are installed on the inner bottom surface of the battery case, then cooling function is improved, but the lower surfaces of frames cannot be fully joined to the bottom surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling component (coolant jacket) with the structural reinforcement element (frame) into a single integrated assembly. This merger eliminates the conflict between cooling component installation and frame joining, as the coolant jacket itself is designed to be joined to the end plates, providing both cooling and structural support without interference
3Quantity of substance
If the quantity of mounted batteries is increased in cell-to-pack form, then battery capacity is improved, but the rigidity of the battery case cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement by strategically positioning reinforcing plates at specific locations within the battery case structure, particularly at the end plates where structural support is most needed. This localized approach provides necessary rigidity without requiring comprehensive framing that would reduce battery mounting space
Solution Approach 2:
The structural reinforcement function is merged with the coolant jacket assembly, allowing the cooling components to simultaneously provide structural support. This integration enables high battery density while maintaining case rigidity through the multi-functional coolant jacket structure
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 configuration improves the rigidity of the battery case, reduces deflection, and maintains the battery capacity and cooling function, while allowing for increased battery mounting quantity and improved assembly and disassembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of coolant jackets (30) including coolant passages (34) therein and cooling the plurality of battery cells (20)
Implementation Method 2
upper parts of both ends in the second direction (B-B) of the reinforcing plate-type coolant jacket are extended in the second direction (B-B) and are joined to upper parts of end plates (13 and 14) constituting both end parts of the battery case (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a battery case, battery cells, and coolant jackets. A cell joined body formed of the battery cells joined in a row and the coolant jacket are alternately arranged in surface contact with each other in a first direction. Each coolant jacket is connected to coolant circulation pipes provided on both sides in a second direction. At least apart of the coolant jackets is a reinforcing plate-type coolant jacket configured such that upper parts of both end parts in the second direction of the reinforcing plate-type coolant jacket are extended and are joined to upper parts of end plates of the battery case while avoiding the coolant circulation pipes to enhance a rigidity of the battery case.