Battery Cell Acoustic Communication via Piezoelectric Transducers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery communication systems for motor vehicles face challenges in reliability and security, particularly in interconnecting battery cells and with master control devices, due to interference and the need for extensive data transmission lines.

Innovation Solution

The battery system employs a communications device capable of operating in multiple modes, including pressure waves, magnetic waves, terahertz waves, and gigahertz/megahertz waves, with a control device and sensor integration for intelligent data processing and transmission, enabling secure and reliable communication between battery cells and the master control device without electrical contact, using devices like piezo elements and coils for efficient data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical communication is used between battery cells and master control device, then data transmission can be established, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference and security vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electrical communication system with an acoustic communication system using piezoelectric elements. These elements convert electrical signals to mechanical vibrations (sound waves) that propagate through the battery housing structure, eliminating the harmful electrical interference while maintaining data transmission capability between battery cells and the master control device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces piezoelectric elements as intermediary devices that convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations for transmission through the battery housing. This intermediary mechanism allows communication without direct electrical contact, thereby preventing interference and security issues associated with traditional electrical communication while still enabling reliable data exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple communication lines are used to connect all battery cells to master control device, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoiddata transmission lines

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all communication pathways into a single shared acoustic transmission medium - the battery housing structure. Instead of having separate electrical communication lines between each battery cell and the master control device, all cells use the common housing structure to transmit acoustic signals, dramatically reducing the number of required communication channels while maintaining full coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the battery cells and simultaneously acts as the communication transmission medium for acoustic signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication lines, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring all battery cells can communicate with the master control device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances communication reliability and security between battery cells and the master control device, allowing for efficient data transmission without interference, even in high-voltage applications, ensuring safe and efficient battery operation and management in motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The communications device is designed for communicating with at least one battery cell adjacent to the respective battery cell in a first mode and with at least one master control device of the battery in a second mode, which differs from the first mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure waves: Sound

Implementation Method 2

The battery system employs a communications device capable of operating in multiple modes, including pressure waves, magnetic waves, terahertz waves, and gigahertz/megahertz waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic waves: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

using devices like piezo elements and coils for efficient data exchange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

The battery system employs a communications device capable of operating in multiple modes, including pressure waves, magnetic waves, terahertz waves, and gigahertz/megahertz waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10340557B2Battery for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 AUDI AG

AI summary

A battery for a motor vehicle with a plurality of battery cells, wherein the respective battery cell include a battery cell housing, in which a galvanic element is accommodated. Via two electrical connection terminals, the battery cell is electrically connected to at least one further battery cell of the battery. A control device of the respective battery cell is coupled to at least one communications device. Here, the at least one communications device of the battery cell is designed for the purpose of communicating with at least one adjacent battery cell of the respective battery cell in a first mode.