The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly relates to retaining a plurality of cells within the battery pack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] With rise in pollution, environmental hazards caused by the usage of fossil fuels, and depletion of fossil fuels, batteries are predominantly being used as energy storages in applications to power vehicles. Multiple batteries or battery cells are connected to one another in one of series, parallel and a combination to form a battery core pack. The one or more battery core packs are thereafter positioned within the battery packs. The battery pack is provided with a housing having accommodation spaces defined thereon to receive the multiple battery cells. In order to ensure efficient operation of the battery cells, the multiple battery cells are required to be securely retained within the accommodation spaces defined within the battery pack.
[0003] During operation, owing to continuous usage, the battery cells within the battery pack is adapted to generate heat. Due to exposure to the generated heat, performance of the battery cells may be affected and continuous exposure may result in damage to the battery cells, resulting in performance and efficiency degradation and inefficient operation of the battery pack. Further, rise in temperature within the battery pack beyond a predefined level may result in thermal runaway within the battery pack which may result in a substantial safety risk. Accordingly, the battery pack is equipped with multiple thermal management solutions to ensure optimum operating temperature within the battery pack. However, equipping the battery pack with the multiple thermal management solutions may lead to increase in size/weight of the battery pack and complexity of the battery pack, thereby complicating servicing of the battery pack.
[0004] In most cases, there exists restriction in space for placement of the battery packs. Further, portability and performance of the battery pack is dependent on a weight of the battery pack. Accordingly, the battery packs are required to be compact in nature. However, reducing the size and/or weight of the battery pack by removal of one or more of the multiple thermal management solutions will impact safety and efficiency of the battery pack, respectively.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a battery pack capable of retaining the multiple battery cells without compensating for thermal management, heat dissipation and/or efficiency of the battery pack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack assembly and a method for retaining a plurality of cells.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a battery pack for retaining a plurality of cells is disclosed. The battery pack includes a cell holder unit adapted to be positioned within a housing of the battery pack. The cell holder unit has a first mating set defined on an inner surface of the cell holder unit. The battery pack further includes a cell tray unit slidably disposed within the cell holder unit. The cell tray unit includes a first member having a first set of through holes to receive and position a first end of a plurality of cells therein. The cell tray unit further includes a second member parallel to and at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to the first member. The second member has a second set of through holes to receive and position a second end of the plurality of cells therein. A second mating set is defined on an outer surface of each of the first member and the second member. The first mating set is adapted to engage with the second mating set of each of the first member and the second member, and thereby retain the cell tray unit within the cell holder unit of the battery pack.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a method of retaining a plurality of cells within a battery pack is disclosed. The method includes arranging each of a plurality of cells within a first member and a second member of a cell tray unit and thereafter positioning each of the first member and the second member at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to each other. Further, the method includes receiving a first medium within a reservoir of one of the first member, the second member, and a combination thereof, and a second medium within a space formed between the plurality of cells. The first medium is a material having one of thermal properties, adhesive properties, and a combination thereof and the second medium is a material having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties, thermal management properties, and a combination thereof. The quantity of the first and the second medium is directly proportional to the predetermined distance between the first and the second member. Subsequent to receiving, the method includes curing the first and the second medium therein. Thereafter, the method includes slidably engaging each of the first and the second member at one of a plurality of positions defined on an inner surface of the cell holder unit, and thereby retain the cell tray unit within the cell holder unit of the battery pack. [0009] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject

matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the description explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are intended to be illustrative. Further, the accompanying figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in the accompanying figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment to which a battery pack is implemented, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a cell holder unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a cell holder unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a first member of a cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the first member of the cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of a second member of the cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3D is a top perspective view of a second member of the cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3E is an exemplary illustration of a nozzle for application of a first medium within the cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3F is an exemplary illustration of application of the first medium within the cell tray unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of a plurality of cells of the battery
pack of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the battery pack of FIG. 1, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present invention
[0023] FIG. 6A is an exemplary illustration of the cell tray unit positioned in one
of the plurality of positions within the cell holder unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1,
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6B is an exemplary illustration of the cell tray unit positioned in one
of the plurality of positions within the cell holder unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1,
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6C is an exemplary illustration of the cell tray unit positioned in one
of the plurality of positions within the cell holder unit of the battery pack of FIG. 1,
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of multiple battery packs, according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of retaining a plurality of cells within
the battery pack of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0028] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. References to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the invention to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims. Moreover, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or between such entities.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an environment 100 to which a battery pack 105 is implemented, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the battery pack 105 is adapted to be utilized as a source of power in electric vehicles, telecommunication devices, household devices and the like. For the purpose of understanding and description, the environment 100

is described with respect to a single battery pack 105. It is, however, to be understood that multiple battery packs may be used as per the requirement of a user or operational requirements, without limiting and deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0030] The battery pack 105 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 is a hollow enclosure within which the multiple components essential for a safe and efficient operation of the battery pack 105 is arranged. In one embodiment, the housing 110 is an integral component of the battery pack 105. A shape and size of the housing 110 may vary based on an application in which the battery pack 105 is required to be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 105 is of rectangular shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the battery pack 105 may be one of, but not limited to, a square and a circular shape without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 110 is made of materials which are thermally conductive to enable heat dissipation from within the battery pack 105. In an alternate embodiment, the housing 110 is made of thermally insulating materials, such as plastic or any enclosing material as is known in the art. [0031] As mentioned earlier, the housing 110 includes multiple components arranged therein. Accordingly, the battery pack 105 includes a cell holder unit 115 adapted to be positioned within the housing 110 of the battery pack 105. The cell holder unit 115 includes at least one cell core pack 120 disposed therein. For the purpose of description and illustration, only one of the cell core pack 120 is described. It is, however, to be understood that the battery pack 105 may include 'n' number of core packs as per an operational requirement of the battery pack 105. Constructional features and arrangement of the cell core pack 120 within the cell holder unit 115 of the housing 110 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2A-2B, FIG. 2A-2B illustrates a perspective view of the cell holder unit 115, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cell holder unit 115 includes a first set of plates 205 (as shown in FIG. 2A) and at least one removably coupled plate 210 (as shown in FIG. 2B). As per the illustrated embodiment, the first set of plates 205 includes a first plate 205a, a second plate 205b, and a third plate 205b coupled to each other to form an open ended enclosure corresponding to a shape of the housing 110 of the battery pack 105. It should, however, be noted that the first set of plates 205 may include any number plates coupled to each other to form the enclosure without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the first set of plates 205 is a single component. Further, owing to coupling of the first set of plates 205 as illustrated in the FIGS. 2A-2B, the cell holder unit 115 is provided with an opening 212 along a longitudinal axis (as shown in FIG 6) of the cell holder unit 115.

[0033] Each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the at least one removably coupled plate 210, hereinafter referred to as the "plate 210" further include a first mating set 215 defined on an inner surface 220 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating set 215 includes a set of grooves defined horizontally on the inner surface 220. More specifically, each groove of the set of grooves is defined along a length 'L' of the inner surface 220 and is further defined at an equal distance from each other along a width 'W of the inner surface. In one embodiment, the first mating set may be one of, but not limited to, machined, molded, and casted on the inner surface 220 of each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the plate 210. In another embodiment, the first mating set 215 may be coupled on to the inner surface 220 of each of the plurality of side plates 205 via adhesives, fasteners, and the like.
[0034] Each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the plate 210 are made of thermally conductive materials to aid in maintaining an ambient temperature within the housing 110, and thereby within the battery pack 105. As such, the battery pack 105 is adapted to, advantageously, one of charge and discharge efficiently. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the plate 210 are made of thermal insulating materials, to prevent flame propagation during an event of thermal runaway, and electrically insulating materials. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the plate 210 are made of one of, but not limited to plastic, ceramic, and composite materials.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a first member 310 of the cell tray unit 305 of the battery pack 105, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Further, FIGS. 3C-3D illustrates a bottom perspective view and a top perspective view of a second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305 of the battery pack 105. [0036] The cell tray unit 305 is adapted to hold and securely retain the at least one cell core pack 120 therein. The cell core pack 120 includes a plurality of cells 405 (as shown in FIG. 4) electrically coupled to each other in one of a series connection, a parallel connection and a combination thereof via an at least one connecting element (not shown). The connecting element is one of, but not limited to, a bus bar, wires, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of cells 405 is one of, but not limited to, a Lithium ion (Li-ion), lead acid battery cells, a Lead acid gel, and Nickel metal hydride. In an alternate embodiment, composition of each of the plurality of cells 405 is lithium or lithium polymer cells (referred to as "lithium") combined with nickel hydrate battery cells. In alternate embodiments, any suitable battery cell composition may be used, including, but not necessarily limited to, lithium ion, zinc air, zinc oxide, super charged zinc oxide, and fuel cells. Further, a number of the plurality of cells 405 to be disposed within the cell tray unit

305 of the battery pack 105 is dependent on the application and the operational requirements of the application of the battery pack 105.
[0037] As mentioned earlier, the plurality of cells 405 of each of the plurality of cell core packs 120 is adapted to be received and positioned within the first member 310 and the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305. As per the illustrated embodiment, the first member 310 includes a base 320 and a plurality of walls 325 coupled to each other around the base 320 to form an open ended enclosure. The base 320 of the first member 315 further includes a first set of through holes 327 defined between a first surface 330 and a second surface 335 of the base 320. Each of the first set of through holes 327, hereinafter referred to as the "first through holes 327", are defined equidistant from each other. Shape and dimensions of the first through holes 327 are adapted to conform with a shape of the plurality of cells 405. [0038] Further, a reservoir 340 is formed between the first surface 330 of the base 320 and a periphery 345 of the plurality of walls 320. The reservoir 340 is adapted to receive a first medium 360 therein. In one embodiment, the first medium 360 is a material having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties and a combination thereof. More specifically, the first medium 360 is a thermal epoxy medium capable of providing high thermal conductivity, chemical resistance, bonding strength, electrical resistance, and high temperature resistance characteristics to maximize heat transfer efficiency between each of the plurality of cells 405 and the cell holder unit 115. In yet another embodiment, the first medium 360 is mixed with thermal conductive fillers, such as ceramics, metallic particles and the like. In one embodiment, the first medium 360 is a material having. The first medium 360 is adapted to create a mechanical and a physical bond between base 320 and the plurality of cells 405 while providing heat transfer and voltage isolation. Accordingly, the first medium 360 is utilized as a thermal interface medium and an adhesive medium. Advantageously, several mounting components required within the battery pack 105 is cut down and thereby a number of components positioned within the battery pack 105 is reduced. Hence, a weight and size of the battery pack 105 is reduced, providing a compact battery pack 105.
[0039] The first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 as one of a liquid paste and glue, as shown in FIG. 3E. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 via an injecting nozzle 365, as shown in FIG. 3F. In alternate embodiments, the first medium 360 may be received within the reservoir 340 via alternate sources as known in the art without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the first medium 360 may be molded at an external location and coupled within the reservoir 340. [0040] Referring to FIGS. 3C-3D, as mentioned earlier, FIGS. 3C-3D illustrates the bottom and the top perspective view of the second member 315 of the cell tray

unit 305 of the battery pack 105. The construction and arrangement of the second member 315 is similar to as illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B. Therefore, for the sake of brevity the same will not be described again in the description for FIGS. 3C-3D.
[0041] Now referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 includes a second mating set 350 defined on an outer surface 355 thereof. More specifically, the second mating set 350 is defined on the outer surface 355 of the plurality of walls 325 of each of the first member 310 and the second member 315.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the second mating set 350 includes a set of protrusions defined horizontally on the outer surface 355. More specifically, each protrusions of the set of protrusions is defined along a length 'L' of the outer surface 355 and is further defined at an equal distance from each other along a width ' W of the outer surface 355. In an alternate embodiment, the second mating set 350 may be machined on the outer surface 355 of each of the plurality of walls 325. In another embodiment, the second mating set 350 may be coupled on to the outer surface 355 of each of the plurality of walls 325 via adhesives and/or fasteners. [0043] In one embodiment, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 is made of thermally conductive materials to aid in maintaining an ambient temperature within the housing 110, and thereby within the battery pack 105. As such, the battery pack 105 is adapted to, advantageously, one of charge and discharge efficiently. In another embodiment, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 is made of thermal insulating materials, to prevent flame propagation during an event of thermal runaway, and electrically insulating materials.
[0044] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the battery pack 105 for retaining the plurality of cells 405, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The battery pack 105 includes the housing 105 (as shown in FIG. 1) for receiving and positioning the cell holder unit 115. Firstly, each of the plurality of cells 405 is positioned within each of the first through holes 327 and a second set of through holes 329 (as shown in FIG. 3D) of each of the first member 310 and the second member 315, respectively. More specifically, a first end 410 of each of the plurality of cells 405 is received and positioned within the first through holes 327 of the first member 310 of the cell tray unit 305. Similarly, a second end 415 of each of the plurality of cells 405 is received and positioned within the second set of through holes 329 of the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305. [0045] Thereafter, each of the first and the second member 310, 315 is adapted to be positioned at a predetermined distance from each other. More specifically, each of the first and the second member 310, 315 is adapted to be positioned one of

proximally and distally relative to one another. In this regard, in the preferred embodiment, the first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 of the first member 310 and the second member 315. As mentioned earlier, the first medium 360 is received in one of the liquid paste and the glue state and is thereafter cured to form a solid form as embodied. In another embodiment, the first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 of at least one of the first member 310 and the second member 315. In an alternate embodiment, each of the first and the second member 310, 315 is does not include the first medium 360, as embodied in the FIG. 5A. The construction and arrangement of the battery pack 105 as illustrated in the FIG. 5A is similar to as illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 5. Therefore, for the sake of brevity the same will not be described again in the description for FIG. 5A
[0046] Further, a second medium is received within a space 420 formed between the plurality of cells 405 via the opening 212. The second medium is a material having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties, thermal management properties, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the second medium is one of a Phase Change Material (PCM), a dielectric medium and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the dielectric medium is thermally conductive single phase or two-phase liquid which is one of odorless, non-toxic, synthetic, non-evaporative, chemically inert, electrically non-conductive, high dielectric strength and compatible with the material of the battery pack 105. In a preferred embodiment, the PCM is received within the space 420 to maintain an operating temperature of the plurality of cells 405 at a uniform temperature range required for the efficient operation of the battery pack 105. In an alternate embodiment, a combination of the PCM and the dielectric medium is received within the space 420. In another embodiment, the second medium is a material having high electric resistance, flame retardant, and thermal conductivity characteristics, and is capable of energy absorption, heat dissipation, and heat storage.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the second medium is received within the spacing 420 in a liquid state. In an alternate embodiment, in order to receive the second medium within the spacing 420, the second medium is melted to a liquid state and thereafter received within the spacing 420. Thereafter, the second medium is cured to transform into a wax state and is in contact with each of the plurality of cells 405. In one embodiment, the second medium is solidified on cooling. Further, the predetermined distance between the first and the second member 310, 315 is directly proportional to a quantity of one of the first medium 360, the second medium and a combination thereof. Further, the quantity of one of the first medium 360, the second medium and a combination thereof is determined based on the quantity required for ensuring operating temperature within the battery pack 105 and efficient

operation of the battery pack 105. In one embodiment, the quantity of one of the first medium 360, the second medium and a combination thereof is determined based laboratory tests and simulations conducted to ensure efficient thermal management of the battery pack 105.
[0048] Subsequently, the cell tray unit 315 is slidably disposed within the cell holder unit 115 via the opening 212 along a longitudinal axis of the cell holder unit 115 of the battery pack 105. As mentioned earlier, the cell holder unit 115 includes the first, the second, and the third plate 205a-c coupled to each other to form the open ended enclosure. Further, the first mating set 215 is defined on the inner surface 220 of each of the first, the second, and the third plate 205a-c and the second mating set 350 is defined on the outer surface 355 of the plurality of walls 325 of the first member 310 and the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305. [0049] In this regard, as per illustrated embodiment, the first mating set 215 includes the plurality of grooves and the second mating set 350 includes the plurality of protrusions. Accordingly, as the first member 310 and the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 315 is slidably disposed within the cell holder unit 115, the first mating set 215 is adapted to engage with the second mating set 350. Accordingly, the cell tray unit 315 is securely retained within the cell holder unit 115 of the battery pack 105.
[0050] Thereafter, the plate 210 is coupled to cell tray unit 305 of the cell holder unit 115. More specifically, the first mating set 215 defined on the inner surface 220 of the plate 210 is slidably engaged with the second mating set 350 defined on the outer surface 355 of one of the plurality of walls 325 of each of the first and the second member 310, 315. In one embodiment, subsequent to engaging, the plate 210 is coupled to the first and the second member 310, 315 via one of, but not limited to, fasteners, adhesives, mechanical couplers, physical couplers and the like. Further, the plate 210 is coupled to the cell tray unit 305 of the cell holder unit 115 so as to avoid any leakage and seepage.
[0051] During operation of the battery pack 105, the second medium is adapted to undergo a phase change phenomenon by one of absorbing and releasing excess heat from each of the plurality of cells 405. As temperature within the cell holder unit 115 of the battery pack 105 reaches melting point of the second medium, heat within the cell holder unit 115 is stored in the form of latent heat and temperature within the cell holder unit 115 is reduced. More specifically, the heat within the cell holder unit 115 causes a phase change of the second medium, and thereby allowing the second medium to exchange latent. As a result, temperature equilibrium is maintained among each of the plurality of cells 405, and each of the plurality of cells 405 is at a lesser temperature gradient. Accordingly, the second medium absorbs the

heat from each of the plurality of cells 405 to reduce temperature gradient amongst the plurality of cells 405 and thereby maintain thermal equilibrium. [0052] Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 is adapted to be positioned parallel and at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to one another. In this regard, the plurality of grooves of the first mating set 215 provides a plurality of positions at which the plurality of protrusions of the second mating set 350 is adapted to engage. Accordingly, the plurality of protrusions of the second mating set 350 slidably engages with the plurality of grooves of the first mating set 215 at one of the plurality of position, owing to which one of the first member 310, the second member 315, and a combination thereof is adapted to be one of proximally and distally relative to one another. More specifically, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 is adapted to one of move closer toward each other or away from each other based on the quantity of the first medium 360 and the second medium received therein. In addition, the quantity of the first medium 360 and the second medium is directly proportional to the predetermined distance between the first and the second member 310, 315.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 6B, the second mating set 350 of the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305 is slidably engaged with the first mating set 215 of the cell holder unit 115 such that the second member 315 is positioned proximal to the first member 310 of the cell tray unit 305. Accordingly, the amount of second medium is adjusted to fill the space 420 between the plurality of cells 405 formed between the first member 310 and the second member 315. In addition, the first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 of the first member 310. Owing to such an arrangement, the heat generated within the battery pack 105 is directed toward the atmosphere via the first medium 360 formed within the reservoir 340 of the first member 310. Further, in one embodiment, the heat is exchanged from the second medium to the first medium 360, and thereafter from the first medium 360 to atmosphere via one of a thermal interface material and a cooling plate 710 (as shown in FIG. 7).
[0054] Referring to FIG. 6C, the second mating set 350 of the second member 315 and the first member 310 of the cell tray unit 305 is slidably engaged with the first mating set 215 of the cell holder unit 115 such that the second member 315 and the first member 310 is positioned proximal to each other. Accordingly, the amount of second medium is adjusted to fill up the space 420 between the plurality of cells 405 formed between the first member 310 and the second member 315. In addition, the first medium 360 is received within the reservoir 340 of each of the first member and the second member 310, 315. Owing to such an arrangement, the heat generated within the battery pack 105 is directed toward the atmosphere via the first medium

360 formed within the reservoir 340 of each of the first member 310 and the second
member 315. Advantageously, owing to such an arrangement, the quantity of the
first medium 360 and the second medium may be adjusted to ensure optimal
operating temperature for operating the battery pack 105, and efficient operating of
the battery pack 105. More specifically, the quantity of each of the first medium 360
and the second medium may be one of increased and decreased to ensure efficient
operation of the battery pack 105, by avoiding additional expenses and change of
components.
[0055] Further, in alternate embodiments, multiple battery packs 705a-h are
utilized as a source of energy as embodied in FIG. 7. In such instance, as per the
illustrated embodiment, the multiple battery packs 105a-h may utilize external
thermal management devices, such as cooling plates 710, to provide additional
thermal management solutions. The cooling plates 710 is adapted to receive a
coolant via an inlet 715 and allows the coolant to flow therethrough and absorb heat
generated by the multiple battery packs 705a-h. The coolant thereafter exits the
cooling plates 710 and into a tank (not shown) via an outlet 715.
[0056] Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative
and explanatory sense and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present
disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0057] The present disclosure provides the battery pack 105 for retaining each of
the plurality of cells 405 and a method for retaining the plurality of cells 310 within
the battery pack 105. The battery pack 105 includes the plurality of cells 405
positioned within the cell tray unit 305 and slidably disposed within the cell holder
unit. The first and the second member 310, 315 of the cell tray unit 305 is adapted to
be advantageously moved one of toward and away from each other to accommodate
the first medium 360, the second medium, and a combination thereof to maintain the
operating temperature within the battery pack 105. Accordingly, a number of
mounting components required within the battery pack 105 is cut down and thereby
the size of the battery pack 105 is compact without compromising on thermal
management of the battery pack 105.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method 800 of retaining each of the plurality of
cells 405 within the battery pack 105, according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0059] At step 805, the method 800 includes the step of arranging each of the
plurality of cells 405 within the first member 310 and the second member 315 of the
cell tray unit 305. The cell tray unit 305 is adapted to hold and securely retain the
plurality of cells 405 therein. For this purpose, the cell tray unit 305 includes the
first member 305 and the second member 310. The first member 305 includes the

first through holes 327 and the second member includes the second set of through holes 329. In one embodiment, the first end 410 of each of the plurality of cells 405 is received and positioned within the first through holes 327 of the first member 310 of the cell tray unit 305. Similarly, the second end 415 of each of the plurality of cells 405 is received and positioned within the second set of through holes 329 of the second member 315 of the cell tray unit 305.
[0060] At step 810, the method 800 includes the step of positioning each of the first and the second member 310, 315 at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to one another.
[0061] Each of the first member 810 and the second member 815 is adapted to be positioned parallel and at predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to one another. The quantity of the first medium 360 and the second medium is directly proportional to the predetermined distance between the first and the second member 310, 315. More specifically, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 is adapted to one of move closer toward each other or away from each other based on the quantity of the first medium 360 and the second medium received therein. Further, the amount of the first medium 360 and the second medium is dependent on the application for which the battery pack 105 is to be utilized and the heat generated during the application.
[0062] At step 815, the method 800 includes the step of receiving the first medium 360 within the reservoir 340 of one of the first member 310, the second member 315, and a combination thereof. The step 815 further includes the step of receiving the second medium within the space 420 formed between the plurality of cells 405. [0063] At step 820, the method 800 includes the step of curing the first medium 360 and the second medium.
[0064] At step 825, the method 800 includes the step of slidably engaging each of the first and the second member 310, 315 at one of the plurality of positions defined on the inner surface 220 of the cell holder unit 115, and thereby retain the cell tray unit 305 within the cell holder unit 115 of the battery pack 105. [0065] As mentioned earlier, each of the plurality of side plates 205 and the plate 205 of the cell holder unit 115 includes the first mating set 215 defined on the inner surface 220 thereof. Likewise, each of the first member 310 and the second member 315 includes the second mating set 350 defined on an outer surface 355 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating set 215 includes the set of grooves defined horizontally on the inner surface 220 and the second mating set 350 includes the set of protrusions defined horizontally on the outer surface 355. [0066] As a result, on slidably disposing the cell tray unit 305 via the opening 212 of the cell holder unit 115, the first and the second mating set 215, 350 are adapted to engage and the cell tray unit 315 is securely retained within the cell holder unit 115

of the battery pack 105. Subsequent to securely retaining the cell tray unit 305 within the cell holder unit 115 and receiving the first medium 360 and the second medium, the plate 210 is coupled to the cell tray unit 305 of the cell holder unit 115. More specifically, the first mating set 215 defined on the inner surface 220 of the plate 210 is slidably engaged with the second mating set 350 defined on the outer surface 355 of one of the plurality of walls 325 of each of the first and the second member 310, 315. In one embodiment, subsequent to engaging, the plate 210 is coupled to the first and the second member 310, 315 via one of fasteners, adhesives and the like. Further, the plate 210 is coupled to the cell tray unit 305 of the cell holder unit 115 such as to avoid leakage and seepage of the first medium 360 and the second medium received within the battery pack 105.
[0067] While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

We Claim:

1. A battery pack (105) for retaining a plurality of cells (405), the battery pack
(105) comprising:
a cell holder unit (115), adapted to be positioned within a housing (110) of a battery pack (105), having a first mating set (215) defined on an inner surface (220 of the cell holder unit (115); and
a cell tray unit (305) slidably disposed within the cell holder unit (115), the cell tray unit (305) comprising:
a first member (310) having a first set of through holes (327) to receive and position a first end (410) of the plurality of cells (405) therein; and
a second member (315), parallel to and at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to the first member (310), the second member (315) having a second set of through holes (329) to receive and position a second end (415) of the plurality of cells (405) therein,
wherein a second mating set (350) is defined on an outer surface (355) of each of the first member (310) and the second member (315), and
wherein the first mating set (215) is adapted to engage with the second mating set (350) of each of the first member (310) and the second member (315), and thereby retain the cell tray unit (305) within the cell holder unit (115) of the battery pack (105).
2. The battery pack (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cell holder unit (115) comprises at least one removably coupled plate (210) adapted to provide an opening (212) to slidably dispose and engage the cell tray unit (305) within the cell holder unit (115).
3. The battery pack (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first member (310) and the second member (315) comprises a reservoir (340), the reservoir (340) formed between a first surface (330) of a base (320) and a periphery (345) of a plurality of walls (325) of each of the first and the second member (310, 315).
4. The battery pack (105) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a first medium (360) having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties and a combination thereof is received within the reservoir (340).
5. The battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second medium having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties, thermal management properties, and a combination thereof is received in a space (420) formed between the plurality of cells (405).
6. The battery pack (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second member (310, 315) is adapted to be slidably engaged at one of a plurality

of positions on the inner surface (220) of the cell holder unit (115), thereby enabling one of the first member (310), the second member (315), and a combination thereof to be one of proximally and distally relative to each other.
7. The battery pack (105) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first and the second member (310, 315) is slidably engaged at one of the plurality of positions based on a predetermined amount of the first medium (360) and the second medium required for the efficient operation of the battery pack (105) and thereby reducing cost and weight of the battery pack (105).
8. A method (800) of retaining a plurality of cells (405) within a battery pack (105), the method (800) comprising steps of:
arranging each of the plurality of cells (405) within a first member (310) and a second member (315) of a cell tray unit (305);
positioning each of the first member (310) and the second member (315) at a predetermined distance one of proximally and distally relative to each other;
receiving a first medium (360) within a reservoir (340) of one of the first member (310), the second member (315), and a combination thereof, and a second medium within a space (420) formed between the plurality of cells (405),
wherein the first medium (360) is a material having one of thermal properties, adhesive properties and a combination thereof and the second medium is a material having at least one of thermal properties, adhesive properties, thermal management properties, and a combination thereof, and
wherein quantity of the first and the second medium is directly proportional to a predetermined distance between the first and the second member (310, 315);
curing of the first medium (360) and the second medium; and
slidably engaging each of the first and the second member (310, 315) at one of a plurality of positions defined on an inner surface (220) of the cell holder unit (115), and thereby retain the cell tray unit (305) within the cell holder unit (115) of the battery pack (105).