SMC Battery Cover with Perforated Fire Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cover structures made of poorly flammable plastics cannot withstand prolonged heat development, and current manufacturing methods for fire-protected battery box covers are labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A cover structure with an SMC base body and a fire protection coating, where the coating features a perforated design allowing the plastic matrix to pass through openings, forming a precise connection and simplifying the manufacturing process, combined with an optional connecting layer and an EMC layer for enhanced electromagnetic compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flame-resistant plastic battery housing is used, then the housing can be manufactured with simple materials, but it cannot withstand prolonged heat development during battery fire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection capabilityVSAvoidheat resistance duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines SMC base material with fire protection coating layers (mica/micanite) to create a composite structure that maintains mechanical integrity while providing extended fire resistance. The SMC material provides structural strength and the ceramic coating provides thermal barrier properties, allowing the housing to withstand prolonged heat exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The fire protection coating is applied specifically to areas requiring thermal protection, such as the inner surface of the battery housing that faces the battery cells. This localized application provides fire resistance where most needed while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If fire protection layers are bonded to SMC components in separate steps, then fire protection is achieved, but manufacturing effort and process complexity increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fire protection coating application into the SMC molding process itself. The coating layers are placed in the mold cavity along with the SMC blank, and both are formed simultaneously in one pressing operation. This eliminates separate coating and bonding steps, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining fire protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a perforated fire protection coating is used, then vacuum can be created and plastic matrix can pass through for connection, but the coating structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection formationVSAvoidcoating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire protection coating is designed with a perforated structure containing numerous small openings. This porosity allows the plastic matrix to penetrate through the coating during pressing, creating automatic mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding. The perforations also enable vacuum transmission for proper blank formation. The regular pattern of holes adds minimal complexity while providing multiple functional benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 fire protection and reduced manufacturing effort, enabling the production of a cover structure that can withstand heat development and meet fire protection requirements while ensuring electromagnetic compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

the openings in the fire protection coating formed by the perforation are designed such that a plastic matrix of the SMC structure can pass through these openings or at least enter them during pressing and application of vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the connecting layer is made with a powder binder that is melted/softened during the SMC pressing process at the usually elevated mold temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

during the SMC pressing process at the usually elevated mold temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4081389B1Cover structure and smc mold, and method for producing such a cover structure
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 UMWELTTECHN GEORG FRITZMEIER
  • EP4081389B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4081389B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4081389B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover structure, an SMC mold and a method for producing a cover structure having an SMC main body which is pressed together with a flame-retardant coating in an SMC mold.