Battery Cell Slot Contacts for Parallel Rest-State Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell testing methods are inefficient as they typically require sequential testing of each cell in rest status, limiting the ability to simultaneously test multiple cells for internal electrical resistance and surface temperature.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus with multiple cell slots and contact mechanisms that allow for simultaneous insertion and testing of multiple battery cells, featuring electrical contacts and temperature sensors, enabling concurrent internal resistance and surface temperature testing without the need for sequential cell handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential testing of each battery cell is performed, then testing accuracy is maintained, but testing time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus divides the testing system into multiple independent cell slots, each with its own electrical contacts and tab receivers. This segmentation allows multiple cells to be tested simultaneously while maintaining the same measurement accuracy as sequential testing, thereby resolving the contradiction between testing accuracy and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus merges multiple testing operations into a single integrated system where multiple cells are tested concurrently in one apparatus. By combining multiple cell slots, electrical contacts, and measurement systems into one unified device, the apparatus achieves both high productivity through parallel testing and maintains measurement precision through standardized contact mechanisms
2Productivity
If multiple battery cells are tested simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus employs universal electrical contacts and tab receivers that can accommodate multiple different battery cell types across different cell slots. This multi-functionality allows the same apparatus structure to test various cell configurations simultaneously, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell slot is equipped with locally optimized electrical contacts and tab receivers tailored for specific cell types, while the overall apparatus maintains a standardized framework. This local quality approach allows simultaneous testing of different cell types with appropriate contact mechanisms in each slot, balancing productivity improvement with controlled complexity
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are made through lateral edges of tabs, then ease of operation is improved, but contact reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The tab receivers are pre-configured with spring-loaded electrical contacts positioned to engage the lateral edges of the tabs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the cell is inserted, the contacts are already in the correct position and orientation, making insertion easy while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the pre-positioned spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts utilize spring-loaded mechanisms that dynamically adapt to the insertion process. The springs provide flexible contact pressure that automatically adjusts during insertion, ensuring easy operation while maintaining consistent and reliable electrical contact throughout the testing process
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
Enables efficient and simultaneous testing of multiple battery cells in rest status, improving data collection efficiency and reducing testing time while ensuring reliable physical and electrical contact through guided and biased tab receivers.
Implementation Method 1
the positive electrical tab makes physical contact with the positive electrical contact by way of the lateral edge of the positive electrical tab and the negative electrical tab makes physical contact with the negative electrical contact
Implementation Method 2
a thermocouple is thermally coupled to a test point on a cell using a thermally conductive gel
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, battery-cell testing apparatuses that each include at least one cell slot for receiving a corresponding battery cell along an insertion axis in a direction parallel to the width axis of the cell, a positive electrical contact, and a negative electrical contact. The positive and negative electrical contacts may be located and configured so that as the battery cell is inserted into the cell slot, a positive electrical tab of the cell makes physical contact with the positive electrical contact and a negative electrical tab of the cell makes physical contact with the negative electrical contact. In some embodiments, the cell slot further comprises at least one cell receiver that slidingly receives the battery cell and holds the battery cell during testing. In some embodiments, each of the positive and negative electrical contacts comprises a tab receiver.