X-Shaped Battery Cell Spacer for Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power battery modules with non-aqueous electrolytes face swelling issues due to gas generation, leading to instability and increased weight from additional barriers needed to control swelling, which complicates the design and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating X-shaped barriers with protruding portions and fixing elements made from materials like Al, Cu, or stainless steel, which effectively control swelling while minimizing weight and optimizing production costs by reducing the number of barriers required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barriers are added to control battery cell swelling, then swelling control is improved, but the weight of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple pressing portions (first pressing portion, second pressing portion, third pressing portion) that are distributed at different locations. Each pressing portion independently presses against the battery cell at specific points, collectively achieving effective swelling control while using less material than a solid barrier would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier has different structural characteristics at different locations - the pressing portions are positioned at specific locations where swelling occurs, while other areas are minimized or removed. This localized approach applies pressing force exactly where needed without adding unnecessary weight throughout the entire barrier structure.
2Reliability
If the number of barriers is increased to control swelling, then swelling control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressing portions are integrated into a single barrier component. The first pressing portion, second pressing portion, and third pressing portion are all part of one unified barrier structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate barrier components and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single barrier performs multiple functions by having pressing portions at different locations - it controls swelling at multiple points simultaneously, provides structural support, and maintains cell positioning all through one component rather than requiring multiple specialized components.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A battery module (100) including a plurality of battery cells (10) aligned in one direction; and barriers (150) interposed between respective battery cells, wherein the barrier has sub-elements (152) that cross at a central portion of the battery cell.