SMART BATTERY SURFACE IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

Abstract

A battery comprises a casing, a battery management unit (BMU), and a conductive path containing conductive particles arranged on a surface of the casing and electrically coupled to the BMU to form a closed electrical path. The BMU is configured to detect resistance in the closed electrical path caused by percolation of the conductive particles and to determine a swollen state of the battery based on this resistance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. Preliminary Patent Application No. 63 / 524,604 entitled “SMART ENCLOSURES FOR BATTERIES IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS”, filed on June 30, 2023, and U.S. Preliminary Patent Application No. 63 / 540,573 entitled “SMART ENCLOSURES FOR BATTERIES IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS”, filed on September 26, 2023, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference for all purposes. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to batteries, such as secondary or rechargeable batteries (e.g. lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.), and in particular to the swelling detection of such batteries.

[0003] Batteries like those described above can be used in a wide variety of consumer electronics applications. Under certain operating conditions, a battery can swell over its lifespan. Uncontrolled battery swelling can negatively affect the battery and / or a load powered by the battery (e.g., consumer electronics).

[0004] Conventional techniques for detecting and / or mitigating swelling in a battery can significantly increase battery size, reduce the battery's volumetric energy density, contribute to battery costs, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, swelling detection features cannot be employed in certain conventional designs due to the limitations described above. Accordingly, it is now recognized that improved systems and methods are desirable. SUMMARY

[0005] A brief description of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It is understood that these points are set forth merely to provide the reader with a brief description of these particular embodiments and that these points are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may include a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a battery encloses a casing, a battery management unit (BMU), and a conductive path containing conductive particles arranged on a surface of the casing and electrically coupled to the BMU to form a closed electrical path. The BMU is configured to detect resistance in the closed electrical path caused by percolation of the conductive particles. Furthermore, the BMU is configured to determine a swollen state of the battery based on this resistance.

[0007] In another embodiment, a battery includes a casing, a percolation-based conductive track with conductive particles arranged on a surface of the casing, and a battery management unit (BMU) coupled to the percolation-based conductive track. The BMU is configured to detect resistance in the percolation-based conductive track and determine a swollen state of the battery based on this resistance.

[0008] In another embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transient, computer-readable media store instructions on them which, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform various functions. These functions include detecting resistance in a closed electrical path caused by the percolation of conductive particles arranged on the surface of a battery. The functions also include determining a swollen state of the battery based on this resistance.

[0009] Various refinements of the features described above may be present with respect to different aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, additional features may also be included in these different aspects.

[0010] These refinements and additional features may be present individually or in any combination. For example, various features described below in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be implemented in any of the aspects of the present disclosure described above, either alone or in any combination. The brief summary presented above is intended to familiarize the reader only with certain aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure, without limitation to the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various aspects of this revelation may be better understood after reading the following detailed description and referring to the drawings described below, in which the same numbers refer to the same parts. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery that includes a battery swell detection arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the battery. Fig. 2, wherein the battery is in a fresh (e.g., unswollen) state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the battery. Fig. 2, wherein the battery is in a swollen state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a conductor track of the battery swell detection arrangement of Fig. 2, which indicate the fresh (e.g., unswollen) state of the battery in Fig. 3 reflects, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a conductor track of the battery swell detection arrangement of Fig. 2, which describes the swollen state of the battery in Fig. 4 reflects, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a relationship (e.g., correlation) between the degree of battery swelling of Fig. 2 and a resistor in a conductor track of the battery swell detection arrangement of the battery of Fig. 2 illustrated according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of a section of the battery of Fig. 2, including various features of the battery swelling detection arrangement (e.g. a conductor track formed by conductive particles, a battery management unit or BMU, etc.), according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is a front view of the battery. Fig. 2, wherein the battery swelling detection arrangement comprises an L-shaped conductor track formed by conductive particles, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 is a front view of the battery made of Fig. 2, wherein the battery swelling detection arrangement has a conductive track formed by conductive particles, which has a different shape than that described in Fig. 9 illustrated L-shape, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 11 is a table of different materials used in a conductor track (e.g., formed by conductive particles) of the battery swelling detection arrangement of the battery of Fig. 1 may be included, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 12 is a process flow diagram that describes a method for detecting a swollen battery condition. Fig. 2 illustrated by the battery swell detection arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXECUTION FORMS

[0012] When introducing elements of different embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the," "a," and their declensions shall mean that there is one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "possessing," and "having" shall be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the specified features. Moreover, the specific features, structures, or properties may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments. The use of the terms "approximately," "close," "about," and / or "essentially" should be understood as referring to a target (e.g.,Interpretation, value, quantity) include, as within a range of any suitable or conceivable error (e.g., within 0.1% of a target, within 1% of a target, within 5% of a target, within 10% of a target, within 25% of a target, and so on). Furthermore, it should be understood that all exact values, numbers, measurements, and so forth provided herein are intended to include approximations (e.g., within a range of suitable or conceivable error) of the exact values, numbers, measurements, and so forth.

[0013] This disclosure relates to batteries, such as secondary or rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.) and / or other types of batteries used, for example, in consumer electronics. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to techniques for detecting a swollen state in such batteries.

[0014] For example, a battery can include a casing, various components (e.g., electrodes, a separator, electrolyte) arranged within the casing, and a battery management unit (BMU). The BMU, sometimes called a battery management system (BMS), can include various components (e.g., processing circuits, memory circuits, sensors, etc.) configured to monitor battery operation and protect the battery from operating outside of normal conditions (e.g., normal voltages, temperatures, currents, etc.).

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a conductive track formed by conductive particles can be arranged in or on a surface of the casing and electrically coupled to the BMU to form a closed electrical path. The BMU can be configured to apply (e.g., supply) a current to the closed electrical path and to detect a change in resistance in the closed electrical path caused by percolation of the conductive particles. For example, in a swollen state of the battery, an initial resistance in the closed electrical path can be detected by the BMU, with the initial resistance being characteristic of the swollen state. As the battery swells, percolation of the conductive particles of the closed electrical path can cause an interruption of the closed electrical path.For example, percolation of the conductive particles may refer to a reduction in the density of the conductive particles and / or an increase in the distance between the conductive particles along the closed electrical path, which may be caused by movement of the conductive particles with the swelling surface of the battery casing.

[0016] The consequences of battery swelling described above can cause a change (e.g., an increase) in the resistance of the closed electrical path. With the battery in a swollen state, the BMU can detect a second resistance in the closed electrical path, where the second resistance is greater than the first, indicating the swollen state. In some embodiments, the BMU can compare the second resistance to a resistance threshold and determine the swollen state of the battery based on the second resistance exceeding the threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the BMU can compare a resistance difference between the first and second resistances to a resistance difference threshold and determine the swollen state of the battery based on the resistance difference exceeding the resistance difference threshold.

[0017] The features described above can improve (e.g., reduce) the safety of battery operation compared to conventional designs that do not include swelling detection, improve (e.g., reduce) the size of the battery compared to conventional designs that use other swelling detection techniques, reduce the cost of monitoring battery swelling compared to conventional designs that use other swelling detection techniques, and / or enable swelling detection without sensor components outside the battery (e.g., the sensor components are not freestanding), among other technical advantages.

[0018] The following, with reference to the drawings, is in Fig. 1 A block diagram of an electronic device 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device 10 may include, among other things, one or more processors 12 (hereinafter referred to collectively as a single processor for the sake of simplicity, which may be implemented in any suitable form of processing logic), a memory 14, non-volatile storage 16, a display 18, input structures 22, an input / output interface (I / O interface) 24, a network interface 26, and a power source 29. The various functional blocks that are shown in Fig. The components shown in Figure 1 can include hardware elements (including switching logic), software elements (including machine-executable instructions), or a combination of both hardware and software elements (which can be referred to as logic). The processor 12, the memory 14, the non-volatile storage 16, the display 18, the input structures 22, the input / output interface (I / O interface) 24, the network interface 26, and / or the power source 29 can each be communicatively coupled to one another, directly or indirectly (e.g., through or via another component, a communication bus, a network), to send and / or receive signals. It should be noted that Fig. 1 is merely an example of a particular implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may be present in the electronic device 10.

[0019] For example, the electronic device 10 may include any suitable computing device, including a desktop or notebook computer, a portable or handheld electronic device such as a wireless electronic device or smartphone, a tablet, a body-worn electronic device, and other similar devices. In additional or alternative embodiments, the electronic device 10 may include an access point, such as a base station, a router (e.g., a wireless or Wi-Fi router), a hub, a switch, and so on. It should be noted that the processor 12 and other associated elements in Fig. 1. may be implemented wholly or partially as software, hardware, or both. Furthermore, the processor 12 and other associated elements in Fig. 1. The processor 12 may be a single, self-contained processing module or may be wholly or partially integrated within any of the other elements within the electronic device 10. The processor 12 may be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate-controlled logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated finite hardware automata, or any other suitable entities capable of performing computations or other information processing. The processors 12 may include one or more application processors, one or more baseband processors, or both, and may perform the various functions described herein.

[0020] In the electronic device 10 of Fig. 1. The processor 12 can be operationally coupled with a memory 14 and non-volatile storage 16 to execute various algorithms. Such programs or instructions executed by the processor 12 can be stored in any suitable manufacturing article that includes one or more tangible, computer-readable media. The tangible, computer-readable medium can include the memory 14 and / or the non-volatile storage 16 individually or together to store the instructions or routines. The memory 14 and the non-volatile storage 16 can include any suitable manufacturing article for storing data and executable instructions, such as random-access memory, read-only memory, rewritable flash memory, hard disks, and optical media. Furthermore, programs encoded on such a computer program product (e.g.,an operating system) also include instructions that can be executed by the processor 12 to enable the electronic device 10 to provide various functionalities.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the display 18 can allow users to view images generated on the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the display 18 can include a touchscreen that supports user interaction with a user interface of the electronic device 10. Furthermore, it is understood that in some embodiments, the display 18 can include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode displays (LEDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode displays (AMOLEDs), or a combination of these and / or other display technologies.

[0022] The input structures 22 of the electronic device 10 allow a user to interact with the electronic device 10 (e.g., to press a button to increase or decrease a volume level). The I / O interface 24 allows the electronic device 10 to connect to various other electronic devices via an interface, as does the network interface 26. In some embodiments, the I / O interface 24 may include an I / O port for a hardwired connection for charging and / or content manipulation using a standard connector and protocol, such as the provided Lightning connector, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, or another similar connector and protocol.The network interface 26 can, for example, be one or more interfaces for a personal area network (PAN), such as an ultra-wideband (UWB) or a Bluetooth® network; a local area network (LAN) or a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a network using one of the IEEE 802.11x family of protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi®); and / or a wide area network (WAN), such as all standards relating to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile network, including, for example, a 3rd generation mobile network (3G), a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a 4th generation mobile network (4G), a Long Term Evolution® (LTE) mobile network, a Long Term Evolution License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) mobile network, a 5th generation mobile network (5G), and / or a New Radio (NR) mobile network, a 6th generation mobile network.The network interface 26 may include 6G or higher, a satellite network, a non-terrestrial network, and so on. In particular, the network interface 26 may, for example, include one or more interfaces for using a radio communication standard of the 5G specifications, which includes the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency range (e.g., 24.25–300 gigahertz (GHz)), defining and / or enabling frequency ranges used for wireless communication. The network interface 26 of the electronic device 10 may enable communication over the aforementioned networks (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi, LTE-LAA, and the like).

[0023] The network interface 26 can also include one or more interfaces for, for example, wireless fixed broadband access networks (e.g., WiMAX®), mobile broadband radio networks (mobile WiMAX®), asynchronous digital subscriber lines (e.g., ADSL, VDSL), digital video broadcasting terrestrial (DVB-T®) network and its extension DVB handheld (DVB-H®) network, ultra-wideband (UWB) network, alternating current (AC) lines, etc.

[0024] The power source 29 of the electronic device 10 can include any suitable power source, such as a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (Li-Poly battery) and / or an alternating current inverter (AC inverter). According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery of the power source 29 can, for example, include a battery swelling detection arrangement configured to detect when the battery is in a swollen state. The battery, the battery swelling detection arrangement, and related features are described in detail below.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a battery 30 (e.g., battery cell) that includes a battery swell detection arrangement 32. The battery 30 can, for example, supply power to the power source 29 of the electronic device 10. Fig. 1. However, it should be understood that the battery 30 can be used in other contexts (e.g., in contexts other than consumer electronics, such as electric vehicles).

[0026] According to the present disclosure, the battery 30 comprises a casing 34 (e.g., housing, bag, etc.) configured to accommodate various components of the battery 30, such as the battery swell detection arrangement 32 (or sections thereof), terminals 35 (or sections thereof), and an electrode arrangement 38. In some embodiments, sections of the terminals 35 (or “tabs”) protrude from openings in the casing 34, so that the sections are exposed for coupling with a load. The electrode arrangement 38 includes electrodes 40, such as one or more anodes and one or more cathodes, one or more separators 42, and electrolyte 44.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery swell detection arrangement 32 includes a conductive track 46, which is formed, for example, by various conductive particles arranged on a surface (e.g., inner or outer surface) of the casing 34. Example materials corresponding to the conductive track 46 (e.g., the conductive particles) are described with reference to Fig. 11 is described in detail. A battery management unit (BMU) 48 can also be part of the battery threshold detection arrangement 32, but it should be understood that the BMU 48 can perform other functions, such as monitoring other operating parameters of the battery 30 and protecting the battery 30 from operation outside normal conditions (e.g., normal voltages, temperatures, currents, etc.). For example, the BMU 48 includes a processing switching logic 50, a memory switching logic 52 that stores instructions executable by the processing switching logic 50 to perform various functions, and a communication switching logic 54 configured to allow the BMU 48 to interact with various components of the battery 30 and / or a load powered by the battery 30. Depending on the embodiment, the BMU 48 can be located inside the casing 34, outside the casing 34 (e.g.,on an outer surface of the casing 34) or partially inside the casing 34 and partially outside the casing 34.

[0028] The conductive track 46, which encloses the conductive particles as described above, is electrically coupled to the BMU 48 to form a closed electrical path. In some embodiments, the BMU 48 applies a current to the closed electrical path (e.g., provides it) and / or detects resistance in the closed electrical path. When the battery 30 is in a fresh (e.g., unswollen) state, the density of the conductive particles in the conductive track 46 is relatively high, while the distance between adjacent conductive particles in the conductive track 46 is relatively small. When the battery 30 is in a swollen state, the density of the conductive particles in the conductive track 46 decreases because the distance between adjacent conductive particles increases.

[0029] The phenomena described above can be referred to in the present disclosure as "percolation" of the conductive particles of the conductor track 46 (e.g., percolation-based conductor track 46). Such percolation, which causes the density of the conductive particles to decrease and the distance between adjacent conductive particles to increase as described above, results in an increase in resistance in the conductor track 46. The BMU 48 can identify the swollen state of the battery 30 in response to detecting or otherwise determining an increase in resistance in the conductor track 46. For example, the BMU 48 can determine that the resistance in the conductor track 46 is greater than a threshold resistance. Additionally or alternatively, the BMU 48 can determine that a change in resistance (e.g.,a difference between a first resistance when the battery 30 is in its fresh state and a second resistance when the battery 30 is in its swollen state) exceeds a threshold change (e.g., threshold resistance differential). In this way, minor swellings generally associated with the normal operation of the battery 30 can be ignored in certain embodiments, while abnormal or undesirable degrees of swelling (e.g., greater than a threshold value) can be identified.

[0030] In some embodiments, the BMU 48 performs an action (e.g., a control action) in response to identifying the swollen state of battery 30. For example, the BMU 48 can communicate a warning, such as transmitting a warning to an external device or displaying a warning on a device's display (e.g., the display 18 of device 10). Fig. 1) or another load supplied by the battery 30, reducing the power supplied by the battery 30, disconnecting the battery 30 from the device or other load, disconnecting the battery 30 from a charging source, etc. These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to other drawings.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of battery 30 made of Fig. 2, wherein the battery 30 is in a fresh (e.g., unswollen) condition. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of battery 30 made of Fig. 2, where battery 30 is in a swollen state. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The conductive track 46 of the battery swelling detection arrangement 32 is formed by a number of conductive particles 56 arranged on a surface 55 (e.g., inner or outer surface) of the casing 34 of the battery 30. Furthermore, the conductive particles 56 are more densely packed when the battery 30 is in its fresh (e.g., unswollen) state, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates how battery 30 appears to be in the swollen state, as shown in Fig. 4 illustrates this. That is, in Fig. 3 the conductive particles 56 are arranged more densely and with less space between them than in Fig. 4. In fact, the conductive particles 56 move along with the movement of the surface 55 when the battery 30 (and thus the surface 55 of the casing 34) swells. Example materials corresponding to the conductor track 46 (e.g., the conductive particles 56) are described with reference to Fig. 11 described in detail.

[0032] The BMU 48 of the battery swell detection arrangement 32 is electrically coupled to the conductor track 46, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown, and measures or otherwise determines a resistance in conductor 46. For example, determined in Fig. 3 the BMU 48, that the resistance in the conductor track 46 is R0, and in Fig. 3 determines the BMU 48 that the resistance in the conductor track 46 R s is. In general, R s typically larger than R0, which indicates the swollen state of battery 30. For example, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the conductor track 46 (e.g. including the conductive particles 56) of the battery swelling detection arrangement 32 of Fig. 2, which indicate the fresh (e.g., unswollen) state of the battery 30 in Fig. 3 reflects, and Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the conductor track 46 (e.g. including the conductive particles 56) of the battery swell detection arrangement 32 of Fig. 2, which the swollen state of the battery 30 in Fig. 4 reflects. As shown, a distance of 60 between adjacent conductive particles 56 in Fig. 5 less than a distance of 62 adjacent conductive particles 56 in Fig. 6. In other words, the density of the conductive particles is 56 in Fig. 5 greater than a density of conductive particles 56 in Fig. 6. At least for these reasons, R s greater than R0.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram 70 that shows a relationship (e.g., correlation) between the swelling level of the battery 30 of Fig. 2 (i.e., corresponding to the X-axis 72) and a resistor in the conductor track 46 of the battery swell detection arrangement 32 of the battery 30 (i.e., corresponding to the Y-axis 74) of Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. As shown and described above, the resistance 74 increases with the swelling degree 72. In the illustrated diagram, the relationship between the resistance 74 and the swelling degree 72 is linear. However, it should be understood that the relationship may be nonlinear in certain embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the BMU 48 (e.g., in the Fig. (Illustrated in Figures 1 to 3) identify the swollen state of battery 30 when the resistance exceeds a threshold resistance 76. For example, the threshold resistance 76 may specify a threshold of a swelling grade 78, which is considered abnormal, undesirable, or otherwise an indication that battery 30 is approaching or has reached an end-of-life state.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a section of battery 30 made of Fig. 2, including various features of the battery swell detection arrangement 32 (e.g., the conductor track 46, the BMU 48, etc.). As shown, the battery 30 includes the conductor track 46, which is arranged on the surface 55 of the casing 34. While in the illustrated embodiment the surface 55 is an outward-facing (e.g., external) surface of the casing 34, in another embodiment the surface 55 may be an inward-facing (e.g., internal) surface of the casing 34. A thickness 79 of the conductor track 46 (e.g., measured outward from the surface 55) may be less than 100 microns, such as 20 to 100 microns, 30 to 90 microns, 40 to 80 microns, or 50 to 70 microns. In certain other embodiments, the thickness 79 may be less than 1000 microns. In any such embodiment, the conductor track 46 does not contribute substantially to (e.g.increased) to a floor plan, size or volume of battery 30 at.

[0035] The conductor track 46 is coupled to the BMU 48 via first and second connectors 80 and 82. For example, a first end 84 of the conductor track 46 is coupled to the first connector 80, and a second end 86 of the conductor track 46 is coupled to a second connector 82. The first and second connectors 80 and 82 are coupled to first and second electrical contacts 88 and 90, which are integrated with the BMU 48. The BMU 48 may include or be coupled to additional components 92 (e.g., a sensor) configured to measure or otherwise determine the resistance in the conductor track 46, as described previously.

[0036] Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of an embodiment of battery 30 made of Fig. 2, wherein the battery swell detection arrangement 32 encloses the conductor track 46 in an L-shape, and Fig. Figure 10 is a front view of an embodiment of the battery 30 made of Fig. 2, wherein the battery swell detection arrangement 32 connects the conductor track 46 with a shape other than the L-shape in Fig. 9 includes. For example, the shape of conductor track 46 can be in Fig. 10 can be described as a straight shape. The L-shape of conductor track 46 in Fig. 9 corresponds to an L-shape of the battery 30 in Fig. 9, and the straight shape of the conductor track 46 in Fig. 10 corresponds to a straight shape of the battery 30 in Fig. 10. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figures 10 are included to show examples of how the shape of the conductor track 46 can be optimized or otherwise designed for specific shapes of the battery 30. Other shapes of the conductor track 46 and / or the battery 30 are also possible. Furthermore, while the shapes of the conductor track 46 and the battery 30 are shown in Fig. 9 and in Fig. While the battery 30 may have a linear shape, such a shape may not be included in other embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, the battery 30 may have a straight shape, while the conductor track 46 may have an L-shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the conductor track 46 may be designed to allow percolation of the conductive particles of the conductor track 46 regardless of the direction or orientation of the swelling in the battery 30.

[0037] As previously described, the conductor track can enclose 46 conductive particles, such as those in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated conductive particles 56. Various materials of the conductor track 46 (e.g., the conductive particles 56, which are in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated) can be used to facilitate the percolation effect, the detection of changing resistance in response to the percolation effect, etc. Fig. Figure 11 is a table that includes various materials that are present in a conductor track 46 (e.g., formed by conductive particles 56, which are found, for example, in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are illustrated) the battery swell detection arrangement 32 of the battery 30 from Fig. 1 may be included.

[0038] For example, carbon-based materials 95 can be used, which have a composition of graphene, graphite and / or carbon. Examples of such carbon-based materials 95 include graphene particles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled or multi-walled), etc.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, metal or metal alloy nanoparticles 96 may be used, having a composition of any metallic compound. Examples of such metal or metal alloy nanoparticles 96 include silver, gold, platinum, nickel-chromium, etc. Additionally or alternatively, non-metal nanoparticles 97 may be used, having a composition of pure or doped metal oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, sulfides, silicides, and / or halides. Examples of such non-metal nanoparticles 97 include indium tin oxide, doped titanium dioxide, doped aluminum oxide, doped zirconium dioxide, silicon carbide, etc. Additionally or alternatively, conductive polymers 98, having a composition of polymeric materials, may be used. Examples of such conductive polymers 98 include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), polyaniline, etc.Other materials of the same or similar class, composition, or material class may also be used in accordance with the present embodiments. In general, the formula / composition may be single-phase or multi-phase, including at least one electrically conductive phase with a conductivity (e.g., electronic and / or ionic conductivity) greater than 0.00000001 Siemens / centimeter (S / cm). An electrically insulating phase with a conductivity (e.g., electronic and / or ionic conductivity) of less than 0.00000001 S / cm may also be used as a matrix, such as polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyimide, etc.) and ceramics (e.g., pure alumina, pure silicon dioxide, etc.).

[0040] Furthermore, particles of the present disclosure (e.g., the conductive particles 56) can include spherical, disc-like, or cylindrical shapes, as previously described, with an aspect ratio of such particles that may be less than, equal to, or greater than one. The sensor components disclosed herein can detect variations in thickness (e.g., battery swelling), early signs of corrosion, and / or temperature variations. Furthermore, the sensor component can include any suitable pattern with both ends (e.g., of the conductor track 46) connected to the BMS, which in certain instances of the present disclosure is referred to as the BMU 48 (e.g., to form the closed electrical path). In addition, the components can be integrated into the casing 34, either by direct printing onto the inner or outer surface 55 of the casing 34 or by laminating the components within the structure of the casing 34.

[0041] Fig. Figure 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 100 for detecting a swollen state of the battery 30. Fig. 2 illustrates the battery swell detection arrangement 32. It should be noted that in certain embodiments not all steps of the method 100 described below are necessary. Furthermore, it should be noted that the steps of method 100 described below are not necessarily in chronological order, since other chronological orders are also possible according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Method 100 includes applying (Block 102) (e.g., supplying) a current to a conductor formed by conductive particles arranged on the surface of a battery casing. For example, a battery battery management unit (BMU) can be electrically coupled to the conductor and configured to apply (e.g., supply) the current to the conductor. Method 100 also includes detecting (Block 104) a first resistance (R0) in the conductor corresponding to a fresh (e.g., unswollen) state of the battery. That is, R0 can be detected (e.g., via the BMU) when the battery is in a fresh (e.g., unswollen) state. Method 100 also includes detecting (Block 106) a second resistance (R). s ) in the conductor track, which corresponds to a swollen state of the battery. That is, R sIt can be detected (e.g. via the BMU) when the battery is in a swollen state.

[0043] Procedure 100 also includes the identification (block 108) of the swollen state based on R s or a difference between R s and R0. For example, in certain embodiments, the BMU can R s compare with a threshold resistance and identify the swollen state based on the fact that R s exceeds the threshold resistance. Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the BMU can detect a difference between R sand compare R0 (e.g., a change in resistance) with a threshold resistance difference (e.g., a change in threshold resistance) and detect the swollen state based on the difference exceeding the threshold resistance difference. As previously described, the resistance in the conductor track can change (e.g., increase) based on the percolation of the conductive particles in the conductor track in response to the swelling of the battery.

[0044] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms. It should further be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0045] The techniques presented and claimed herein are related to and applied to tangible objects and concrete practical examples that demonstrably improve the present technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if the claims appended to the end of this description contain one or more elements described as "means for [performing] [a function]..." or "steps for [performing] [a function]...", it is intended that these elements are to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for all claims containing otherwise described elements, these elements are not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

[0046] It goes without saying that when using personal data, privacy policies and practices should be followed that are generally accepted and meet or exceed industry-specific or regulatory requirements for protecting user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information should be managed and handled in a way that minimizes the risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of any authorized use should be clearly communicated to users. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 524,604

[0001] US 63 / 540,573

[0001]

Claims

[1] Battery, comprising: a casing; a battery management unit (BMU); and a conductive path comprising a plurality of conductive particles arranged on a surface of the sheath and electrically coupled to the BMU to form a closed electrical path, the BMU being configured to: Detecting resistance in the closed electrical path caused by percolation of the multitude of conductive particles; and Determining a swollen battery state based on resistance. [2] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the BMU is configured to determine the swollen state of the battery based on: that the resistance exceeds a threshold resistance; or that a change in resistance exceeds a threshold change. [3] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the conductor track comprises carbon-based materials. [4] Battery according to claim 3, wherein the carbon-based materials comprise graphene, graphite or carbon. [5] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the conductor track comprises metal or metal alloy materials. [6] Battery according to claim 5, wherein the metal or metal alloy materials comprise silver, gold, platinum or nickel-chromium. [7] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the conductor track comprises non-metallic nanoparticles. [8] Battery according to claim 7, wherein the non-metallic nanoparticles comprise indium tin oxide, doped titanium oxide, doped aluminum oxide, doped zirconium oxide or silicon carbide. [9] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the conductor track comprises conductive polymers. [10] Battery according to claim 9, wherein the conductive polymers comprise poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or polyaniline. [11] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the conductor track is less than 1000 microns. [12] Battery, comprising: a casing; and a percolation-based conductive track comprising a variety of conductive particles arranged on a surface of the sheathing; and a battery management unit (BMU) coupled to the percolation-based conductor track and configured to: Detection of resistance in the percolation-based conductor track; and Determining a swollen battery state based on resistance. [13] Battery according to claim 12, wherein the percolation-based conductor comprises carbon-based materials, pure metal materials, metal alloy materials or any combination thereof. [14] Battery according to claim 12, wherein the percolation-based conductor comprises non-metallic nanoparticles, non-conductive polymers or any combination thereof. [15] Battery according to claim 12, wherein the BMU is configured to determine the swollen state of the battery based on the resistance exceeding a threshold resistance. [16] Battery according to claim 12, wherein the second BMU is configured to: Determine whether the degree of swelling exceeds a threshold corresponding to the swollen condition; and Performing a control action based on the degree of swelling exceeding the threshold, wherein the control action includes issuing a warning, disconnecting the battery from a load, disconnecting the battery from a charging source, or any combination thereof. [17] One or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to: Detecting resistance in a closed electrical path caused by the percolation of a variety of conductive particles on the surface of a battery; and Determining a swollen battery state based on resistance. [18] One or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to communicate a warning indicating the swollen state, to disconnect the battery from a load based on the swollen state, or to disconnect the battery from a charging source based on the swollen state. [19] One or more tangible, non-transient, computer-readable media according to claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to determine the swollen state of the battery based on the resistance exceeding a threshold resistance. [20] One or more tangible, non-transient, computer-readable media according to claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to determine whether a swelling extent corresponding to the swollen condition exceeds a threshold amount.

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