Battery system with diverter assembly for thermal propagation protection

ChangeBridge: Patent Grants - Batteries (H01M)

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

USPTO granted patent US12592450B2 to GM Global Technology Operations LLC for a battery system with diverter assembly designed to prevent thermal propagation. The 20-claim patent covers diverter bodies that redirect high-temperature ejecta from battery cells into exhaust volumes during thermal events. Inventors include Derek F. Lahr, Xiaoling Chen, and Ryan P. Hickey.

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What changed

USPTO granted patent US12592450B2 to GM Global Technology Operations LLC on March 31, 2026. The patent covers a battery system with a diverter assembly for thermal propagation protection, including battery cells with vent openings, exhaust volumes with air gaps, and diverter bodies that redirect high-temperature ejecta flows in a predetermined direction during thermal events. The system is designed for motor vehicles and electrical systems, with CPC classifications spanning H01M battery technology and B60L electric vehicle components.

This patent grant does not impose compliance obligations but represents a potential competitive壁垒 for companies developing battery thermal management systems. Organizations should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses before implementing similar thermal propagation protection designs, and consider whether licensing discussions with GM Global Technology may be necessary.

What to do next

Conduct freedom-to-operate analysis for any battery thermal management designs similar to the patented diverter assembly
Review patent claims to understand the scope of protection granted
Evaluate whether licensing discussions with GM Global Technology Operations LLC may be necessary

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Grants

Battery system with diverter assembly for thermal propagation protection

Grant US12592450B2 Kind: B2 Mar 31, 2026

Assignee

GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventors

Derek F. Lahr, Xiaoling Chen, Ryan P. Hickey, Diptak Bhattacharya, David R. Clark, Aaron Sussman, Andrew C. Bobel, Frances Remi Villalonga

Abstract

A battery system for a motor vehicle or another electrical system includes a battery cover, one or more battery cells, and a diverter assembly. The cells define a battery cavity in fluid communication with a corresponding vent opening. An air gap may be defined in an exhaust volume within the battery system. The diverter assembly includes a diverter body arranged relative to the vent openings. The diverter body is moveable or stationary. In response to a thermal propagation event occurring in the module or at least one of the battery cells, each diverter body diverts a high-temperature flow of ejecta from the cavity into an exhaust volume in a predetermined flow direction when the flow of ejecta passes through the vent opening. The diverter assembly may include a support member connected to the diverter body and connectable to the battery cell.

CPC Classifications

H01M 50/358 H01M 50/209 H01M 50/271 H01M 50/3425 H01M 2220/20 H01M 10/613 H01M 50/249 H01M 50/367 H01M 50/375 H01M 50/30 B60L 15/007 B60L 50/64 Y02E 60/10