Stacked Battery Cell Structure With Air Gaps for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery devices struggle with effective heat dissipation from battery cells, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.

Innovation Solution

The battery device incorporates a design where first and second battery cells are stacked with protruding extension portions that form air gaps and grooves, allowing for natural convection cooling without additional components, and the cells are sealed in a case with electrolyte-filled extension portions for increased capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If battery cells are stacked closely together to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient leading to temperature increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery cell structure into multiple segments by adding extension portions that protrude from the case. These extension portions create air gaps between stacked cells, segmenting the heat dissipation path and enabling better thermal management while maintaining high energy density through optimized space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional feature by adding extension portions that protrude from the main body of the battery case. This creates air gaps in the stacking direction, providing an additional dimension for heat dissipation without compromising the energy density achieved through compact cell stacking.

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

2Temperature

If air gaps are introduced between battery cells to improve heat dissipation, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the existing battery case structure by integrating extension portions directly into the case design. This combines thermal management functionality with the structural housing, avoiding the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portions serve multiple functions: they create air gaps for heat dissipation, provide structural support for cell stacking, and maintain the sealed environment for electrolyte. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving effective thermal management.

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

3Quantity of substance

If extension portions are added to increase electrolyte volume, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolyte volumeVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameters of the extension portions, such as their length, width, and positioning, to achieve the desired electrolyte volume increase. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters within feasible manufacturing tolerances, the design increases electrolyte capacity without imposing excessive precision requirements that would complicate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances heat dissipation, increases electrolyte volume, and extends battery lifespan while maintaining structural integrity and safety by using the air gaps as cooling paths and accommodating expansion without deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a structure that may effectively release this heat is required... allowing for natural convection cooling without additional components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNatural convection: Free Convection

Implementation Method 2

the electrolyte is filled inside the extension portions... increases electrolyte volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolyte: Electrolyte

Data Source

PatentEP4601077A1Battery cell and battery device having the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4601077A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4601077A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4601077A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery device includes a cell assembly, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, stacked in a first direction. The first battery cell and the second battery cell respectively include a receiving portion in which an electrolyte and an electrode assembly are received within a case, and a plurality of extension portions protruding outwardly from the receiving portion in the first direction. The second battery cell is disposed to contact at least one of the extension portions of the first battery cell.