Rigid Frame for Pouch Battery Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion pouch cells face challenges such as incomplete sealing around terminals leading to leaks, pre-forming processes that add cost and complexity, limited mechanical protection, inadequate thermal conduction, and lack of efficient thermal management, as well as limited integration of additional features like sensors and electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A pouch battery cell design incorporating a rigid frame with integrated thermal transfer devices and channels for enhanced thermal management, improved sealing, mechanical protection, and integration of sensors and electronic devices, along with a thermally conductive plate for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame is integrated into the pouch cell structure, then mechanical protection and structural integrity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame structure with the pouch cell packaging into an integrated assembly, where the frame serves both as mechanical support and as part of the sealing structure. The frame is welded to the pouch edges, merging structural support functions with packaging functions, thereby improving mechanical protection while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Temperature
If thermal transfer devices are integrated into the frame, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal transfer devices are integrated directly into the frame structure, merging thermal management functionality with the mechanical support structure. The frame serves dual purposes as both structural element and thermal conduction pathway, improving thermal management efficiency while reducing the need for separate thermal management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, sealing structure, thermal conduction, and mounting for electronic components. This multi-functionality approach allows thermal transfer devices to be incorporated without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the frame already serves multiple roles.
3Reliability
If the frame structure is welded to the pouch, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-formed with specific geometric features and attachment points before assembly. The welding process is designed to occur at predetermined locations and orientations, allowing for standardized manufacturing procedures. This preliminary preparation enables reliable sealing through welding while managing manufacturing complexity through process standardization.
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 solution provides improved sealing reliability, enhanced thermal management, increased mechanical integrity, and the ability to integrate additional features, addressing the limitations of existing pouch cell designs.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal transfer device may be a thermally conductive plate
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger may include a convective cooling feature
Data Source
AI summary
A pouch battery cell includes a rigid frame forming a skeleton of the cell and defining an aperture, an anode, a separator, a cathode, and a thermal transfer device disposed within the aperture, the anode and cathode each including a current collector with an exposed tab portion bonded to a terminal, integrated into the frame, and the thermal transfer device integrated into the frame and partially extending to the cell exterior.