Battery Cell Thermistor Integration for Single-Wire Voltage Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems require complex and separate measurement devices for cell voltage and temperature, which increases complexity and costs, and may lead to short circuits that affect battery performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a thermistor within the battery cell housing, electrically connected to the cell terminals, allows for simultaneous measurement of cell temperature and voltage using a single wire interface, reducing complexity and preventing short circuits by providing high impedance resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate measurement devices are used for cell voltage and temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell voltage and temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature measurement function (thermistor) and voltage measurement function into a single integrated measurement device. The thermistor is electrically connected to the cell housing, which serves as both the temperature sensing element and the voltage reference point, eliminating the need for separate temperature and voltage measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell housing is given multiple functions: it serves as the structural enclosure for the battery cell, as the reference potential for voltage measurement, and as the mounting point for the thermistor for temperature measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

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

2Measurement precision

If separate measurement devices are used for cell voltage and temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell voltage and temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature measurement function (thermistor) and voltage measurement function into a single integrated measurement device. The thermistor is electrically connected to the cell housing, which serves as both the temperature sensing element and the voltage reference point, eliminating the need for separate temperature and voltage measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell housing is given multiple functions: it serves as the structural enclosure for the battery cell, as the reference potential for voltage measurement, and as the mounting point for the thermistor for temperature measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

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

3Measurement precision

If separate measurement devices are used for cell voltage and temperature, then measurement capability is improved, but short circuit risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell voltage and temperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidshort circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature measurement function (thermistor) and voltage measurement function into a single integrated measurement device. The thermistor is electrically connected to the cell housing, which serves as both the temperature sensing element and the voltage reference point, eliminating the need for separate temperature and voltage measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell housing acts as an intermediary element that provides both the electrical connection for voltage measurement and the mounting structure for the thermistor. This intermediary structure reduces the number of electrical connections required, thereby reducing potential points of failure and short circuit risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables reliable, cost-effective, and simple monitoring of battery cell temperature and voltage, preventing short circuits and facilitating early detection of battery failures, thus ensuring optimal and safe battery operation.

Implementation Method 1

a thermistor integrated into the battery cell and electrically interconnecting the cell housing with at least one of the cell terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

an electrochemical cell capable of discharging by generating electrical energy from chemical reactions and charging by using electrical energy to cause chemical reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrochemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4089790B1Battery cell and battery system comprising a battery cell
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4089790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4089790B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to a battery cell (12) of a battery system (10) for an electric vehicle, comprising a cell housing (13) encompassing an electrochemical cell, a positive electrode (14) and a negative electrode (16) forming cell terminals (14, 16), the battery cell (12) further comprising a thermistor (18) electrically interconnecting the cell housing (13) with at least one of the cell terminals (14, 16) and a connecting means (20) electrically connected to the cell housing (13) to determine an inside temperature of the battery cell (12).