Integrated Switching Elements in Motor Vehicle Battery Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle batteries lack efficient energy management and temperature control, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced lifespan due to inadequate switching mechanisms and wiring complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of switching elements within battery cells, a control device, and sensors to manage energy flow based on performance requirements, temperature, and state of charge/health, allowing for decentralized control and reduced wiring, thereby optimizing energy distribution and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If switching elements are integrated within battery cells, then device complexity and wiring are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates switching elements directly within battery cell housings, merging the switching function with the battery cell structure. This eliminates separate switching modules and reduces wiring complexity while maintaining functional independence of each battery cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the battery into multiple independently controllable cells, each with its own integrated switching element. This segmentation allows individual cell management and reduces overall system complexity by distributing control functions across multiple simple units.
2Temperature
If individual battery cells are switched on and off based on temperature, then temperature management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature-dependent switching at the individual battery cell level, allowing each cell to be managed according to its local thermal conditions. This localized control improves temperature management efficiency without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery cell is equipped with integrated switching elements that can be autonomously controlled based on temperature sensors, enabling self-regulation of thermal conditions without external intervention for each individual cell.
3Reliability
If switching elements are integrated in battery cells, then reliability is improved by reducing defect sources, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating switching elements within battery cell housings during the manufacturing process, the patent reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps. This merging of functions reduces potential defect sources from connections between separate modules while maintaining manufacturability through integrated production.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery for a motor vehicle, having multiple battery cells which include respective battery cell housings with electric terminals via which the battery cells are electrically connected to one another. In the battery cell housings, in each case a cell branch connecting the terminals, with a galvanic cell, is arranged, and in each case several of the battery cells are connected to one another in parallel connection to form respective cell blocks. Each cell branch includes a switching element for opening and closing the cell branch; the battery has a control device which is configured in order to actuate the switching elements of the cell branches for opening or closing the switching elements as a function of a performance requirement of an electric drive of the motor vehicle.