Removable Battery Component Carrier for Modular Vehicle Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems require the disassembly of entire modules for replacing defective submodules, which is cumbersome and inefficient due to the mechanical integrity of the modules, especially for high-capacity and expensive battery systems.

Innovation Solution

A modular battery system with removable battery component carriers that include cooling channels and a cell connection and sensing unit, allowing individual detachment and reconnection of submodules, enabling separate replacement and improved thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If battery modules are designed with mechanical integrity through interconnections of all constituting parts, then structural stability is improved, but replacement of a submodule requires dismounting the whole battery module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical integrityVSAvoidsubmodule replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module is divided into independent submodules that can be individually removed. Each submodule is a self-contained unit with its own casing, allowing selective replacement without disassembling the entire battery module, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical integrity and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the ability to remove individual submodules from the battery module structure. By designing submodules as separable units with standardized interfaces, the system allows extraction and replacement of only the defective submodule while maintaining the integrity of the remaining module structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If high-capacity battery modules are used to provide required energy density, then power output is improved, but the modules become expensive, large and heavy making storage and handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidstorage and handling
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple standardized submodules that can be individually handled and stored. This segmentation allows smaller, more manageable units to be stored in workshops and transported more easily, while still achieving high energy density when assembled into complete battery modules for vehicle installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by allowing flexible configuration of battery capacity through different numbers and arrangements of submodules. This enables the system to be adapted to different energy density requirements while maintaining ease of storage and handling through standardized modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If individual battery submodules are made detachable for easier replacement, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but mechanical integrity of the battery module may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module is segmented into standardized submodules with defined mechanical interfaces. These interfaces are designed to maintain overall structural integrity while allowing individual submodule removal and replacement, thus achieving both high maintenance efficiency and preserved mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The submodule design incorporates universal mechanical interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that serve multiple functions: maintaining structural integrity when assembled, enabling easy individual removal for maintenance, and ensuring proper electrical and thermal connections. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between detachability and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates the separate removal and replacement of battery submodules, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing storage burdens by maintaining mechanical and electrical connectivity within the system.

Implementation Method 1

The removable battery component carrier (30) comprises a bottom plate (32) and at least one side wall (31)... The bottom plate (32) comprises cooling channels (321) for dissipating heat generated by the battery cells (1).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The transversal segments (17) include coolant ports configured to be connected to the cooling channels of the removable battery component carriers... dissipating heat generated from the rechargeable batteries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3493292B1Battery system including removable battery component carriers and vehicle including the battery system
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3493292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3493292B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3493292B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a removable battery component carrier (30) for accommodating a battery submodule (40) comprising a plurality of battery cells (1) and configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to other removable battery component carriers (30) and/or to a carrier frame (10) to form a modular battery system (100), the removable battery component carrier (30) comprising a bottom plate (32), a pair of side walls (31) extending upward from the bottom plate (32) along two opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom plate (32), a pair of end plates (33) perpendicular extending upwards from the bottom plate (32) along two opposite transversal edges of the bottom plate (32), the end plates (33) being mechanically coupled to the pair of side walls (31) and/or to the bottom plate (32) for fixing the plurality of battery cells (1) together, a cell cover (34) extending parallel to the bottom plate (32) so that the cell cover, the bottom plate, the side walls and the end plates form an accommodating space for the battery submodule (40), and a cooling fin (68) disposed between the plurality of battery cells (1). The present invention is further directed to a battery system comprising a carrier frame (10) accommodating a plurality of removable battery component carriers (30), wherein each removable battery component carrier (30) is separately detachable from the carrier frame (10).