Battery Module Busbar Extension for Electrolyte Leak Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules with electrolyte leakage detection systems are complex and reduce energy density, necessitating additional components for detection.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design with a busbar featuring an extension portion that protrudes below the module case to detect electrolyte leakage, eliminating the need for separate sensors or controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrolyte leakage detection systems are used, then leakage detection function is achieved, but device complexity increases and energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage detection functionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The busbar is designed with an extension portion that protrudes into the electrolyte, merging the electrical connection function with the leakage detection function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate sensors and controllers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the leakage detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar serves dual purposes: it provides electrical connection between battery cells and simultaneously acts as an electrolyte leakage sensor. The extension portion of the busbar can detect electrolyte presence through conductivity changes, making the component universal and eliminating the need for dedicated detection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional electrolyte leakage detection systems are used, then leakage detection function is achieved, but energy density is reduced due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage detection functionVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the leakage detection function into the existing busbar structure through the extension portion, no additional materials or components are required. This maintains the quantity of active materials in the battery while adding the safety function, thereby preserving energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar utilizes its own structural extension and the electrolyte's inherent conductivity properties to perform detection, without requiring external power supplies, sensors, or control systems. This self-service approach eliminates the mass of additional components, maintaining high energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If simple structural modification is used, then energy density is maintained, but detection precision may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidleakage detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical detection systems (sensors, controllers) with an electrical conductivity-based detection method using the busbar extension. The electrolyte's ionic conductivity provides precise detection signals when it contacts the extension portion, achieving high measurement precision through electrical rather than mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism relies on changes in electrical conductivity parameters when electrolyte contacts the busbar extension. The system detects leakage by monitoring conductivity variations, which provide precise measurement of electrolyte presence and level, achieving high detection precision through parameter change detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Rapid detection of electrolyte leakage prevents short circuits and fire outbreaks without reducing energy density by utilizing a simple structural modification.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolytic solution absorption member having the characteristics of a conductor as the result of absorbing the electrolytic solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4224596B1Battery module having function of detecting electrolyte leakage, and battery pack comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4224596B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4224596B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4224596B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery module having an electrolytic solution leakage detection function and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a battery module having a busbar configured to detect an electrolytic solution leaked from a battery cell and a battery pack including the same.