Battery Module Side Plate Structure for Denser Cell Packing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules and packs face challenges in optimizing space utilization and energy density, which affects their performance in portable electronics and electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design that includes a side plate with a protruding portion, a cell terminal, a busbar holder, and a busbar, optimized with a bracket and crossbeam structure, which enhances space utilization and energy density by allowing for more efficient packing and connection of battery cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple battery cells are electrically connected to form a battery module, then output and capacity are enhanced, but space utilization of the battery pack deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput and capacityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The side plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, houses the protruding portion for busbar holder placement, and incorporates openings for terminal access. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining enhanced output and capacity from multiple connected battery cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion extends in the width direction of the battery cell, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than only the longitudinal or vertical dimensions. This dimensional approach allows the busbar holder to be positioned efficiently in the width direction, optimizing space utilization while accommodating multiple battery cells for enhanced power and capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If a side plate with protruding portion and busbar holder structure is added, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side plate combines multiple functions into one integrated component: structural support, busbar holder mounting (via protruding portion), and terminal access (via openings). This consolidation improves space utilization while actually reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate brackets, mounting plates, and access structures that would otherwise be required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side plate serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the battery cell, accommodates the busbar holder through its protruding portion, and enables terminal access through its openings. This multi-functionality improves space utilization without increasing complexity, as a single component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate parts.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4564554A1Battery module and battery pack including the same
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4564554A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4564554A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4564554A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and the battery module includes a battery cell, a side plate which faces a side surface of the battery cell and includes a protruding portion protruding in a width direction of the battery cell, a cell terminal protruding from the battery cell toward the side plate, a busbar holder coupled to the side plate and disposed between the side plate and the battery cell, and a busbar supported by the busbar holder and connected to the cell terminal.