Abstract: A structural battery pack includes a bottom cover, a bottom cell carrier, multiple battery cells, a cooling ribbon, a top cell carrier, and a top cover. The bottom cover has a rectangular shape that defines a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The bottom cell carrier is coupled to the bottom cover, and defines multiple bottom holders. The bottom holders are arranged in a hexagon pattern that defines multiple rows in the longitudinal direction and multiple columns in the lateral direction. The top cell carrier is coupled to the top cover, defines multiple top holders, and includes an interconnect board that interconnects the battery cells. The top holders are arranged in the hexagon pattern. The battery cells are installed in the bottom cell carrier and the top cell carrier. Each battery cell has a cylindrical shape. The cooling ribbon is installed between the battery cells along the rows.

Abstract: Presented are finger-proof electrical terminals for battery assemblies, methods for making/using such electrical terminals, and vehicles with battery modules having finger-proof electrical terminals for bolted busbar connections. A battery assembly includes one or more electrochemical battery cells and one or more electrical terminals each electrically connected to the battery cell(s) and having a contact face to electrically connect the battery assembly to an electrical connector. A threaded nut attaches each electrical terminal to one of the electrical connectors. An electrically insulating nut cap is attached to each threaded nut. A battery housing, which stores therein the battery cell(s), includes an electrically insulating housing wall with one or more terminal jackets each mounting therein one of the electrical terminals.

Abstract: An electrochemical assembly includes a case defining an interior region, an electrochemical cell, a device, and a pressure relief valve. The electrochemical cell is disposed within the interior region. The device includes a spreader component. The spreader component includes a polymer matrix and an additive embedded in the polymer matrix. The additive includes an endothermic phase change material, a flame retardant material, an intumescent material, or any combination thereof. The device defines a device outlet. The pressure relief valve has a valve inlet fluidly connected to the interior region and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the device. The pressure relief valve is configured to transfer a gas from the interior region to the device when a pressure in the interior region exceeds a predetermined pressure. The spreader component is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas and direct the gas to the device outlet.

Abstract: Presented are finger-proof electrical terminals for battery assemblies, methods for making/using such electrical terminals, and vehicles with battery modules having finger-proof electrical terminals for bolted busbar connections. A battery assembly includes one or more electrochemical battery cells and one or more electrical terminals each electrically connected to the battery cell(s) and having a contact face to electrically connect the battery assembly to an electrical connector. A threaded nut attaches each electrical terminal to one of the electrical connectors. An electrically insulating nut cap is attached to each threaded nut. A battery housing, which stores therein the battery cell(s), includes an electrically insulating housing wall with one or more terminal jackets each mounting therein one of the electrical terminals.

Abstract: An electrochemical assembly includes a case defining an interior region, an electrochemical cell, a device, and a pressure relief valve. The electrochemical cell is disposed within the interior region. The device includes a spreader component. The spreader component includes a polymer matrix and an additive embedded in the polymer matrix. The additive includes an endothermic phase change material, a flame retardant material, an intumescent material, or any combination thereof. The device defines a device outlet. The pressure relief valve has a valve inlet fluidly connected to the interior region and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the device. The pressure relief valve is configured to transfer a gas from the interior region to the device when a pressure in the interior region exceeds a predetermined pressure. The spreader component is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas and direct the gas to the device outlet.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes a battery cell and a plurality of walls that surround the battery cell. The battery pack assembly also includes a heat exchanger coupled to the battery cell. The heat exchanger is configured to cool the battery cell. The heat exchanger includes a first frame and at least one channel supported via the first frame. The channel is configured to guide a liquid fluid through the channel to cool the battery cell. In certain configurations, the battery pack assembly includes a tray and a plurality of first battery cells electrically connected to each other to present a first cell stack. In certain configurations, the battery pack assembly includes a plurality of first walls that surround the first cell stack to define a first battery module coupled to the tray. The heat exchanger may be coupled to the tray and coupled to the first cell stack.

Abstract: A method and device for improving a structurally integrated propulsion battery system with a battery, a tray for accommodating the battery, with lower and upper internal structural cross beams coupled to the tray, and a liquid cooling plate located between the upper internal structural cross beam and the lower internal structural cross beam.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a cup-shaped check valve housing having a cylindrical wall, an open end, and an upstream closed end, to define a chamber. An inlet passage extends through the closed end to introduce flow to the chamber. A filter assembly is received in the chamber, adjacent the upstream closed end of the check valve housing. A valve seat member is received in the chamber, downstream of the filter assembly, and has an annular ring slidingly received in the cylindrical wall and a valve seat extending radially inward from the annular ring with a central opening. A circular valve disk is oriented in the chamber, downstream of the valve seat member, and operates to close the central opening to prevent flow upstream through the check valve assembly and to flex allowing flow downstream through the central opening.