Battery packaging assembly with safety features to reduce thermal propagation
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsJonathan M. Baumann, Justin D. Middleton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A battery packaging assembly having safety features that reduce the risk of thermal propagation is disclosed. The battery packaging assembly may include a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage battery cells in a press-fit relationship. In addition, the battery packaging assembly may include a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving a plurality of battery cells. Further, the battery packaging assembly may include a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.
Claims20
A battery packaging assembly, comprising:
- a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage battery cells in a press-fit relationship;
- a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving a plurality of battery cells;
- and
- a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.
A battery pack, comprising:
- a plurality of battery modules containing a plurality of battery cells;
- a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage the battery modules in a press-fit relationship;
- a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving the plurality of battery modules;
- and
- a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.
A method of preventing thermal propagation in a battery pack, comprising the steps of:
- providing a battery pack tray configured to receive a foam layer and a plurality of battery cells;
- disposing a foam layer in the battery pack tray between a plurality of battery cells and the battery pack tray, the foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, and the foam layer configured to engage the battery cells in a press-fit relationship;
- providing a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of cutout trenches of the foam layer, the ventilation cavity configured to receive heat energy from a failed battery cell;
- and
- providing multiple heat energy evacuation routes from the battery cells, through the plurality of cutout trenches of the foam layer, and into the ventilation cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.