Battery Module Connector Breaking Device for Swelling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery protection circuits face inefficiencies due to the need for a microcontroller and additional space for a fuse element, which can fail if broken, and do not effectively cut off current flow during abnormal conditions like overcharge or short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a connector breaking device that uses a push bar, elastic members, and a cartridge to mechanically disconnect electrode leads when swelling occurs, rapidly cutting off electric connections between battery cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microcontroller and fuse element are used in the protection circuit, then the battery can be protected against abnormal conditions, but the device complexity increases and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microcontroller and fuse element from the protection circuit, replacing them with a purely mechanical connector breaking device. This eliminates electronic components while maintaining protection functionality, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising battery safety
Solution Approach 2:
The connector breaking device is designed to automatically activate when battery swelling occurs. The swelling battery cell directly pushes the push bar, which triggers the breaking unit to disconnect the connector. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for microcontroller control, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable protection
2Reliability
If a fuse element is used in the protection circuit, then current flow can be cut off during abnormal conditions, but the device requires additional space and the fuse element may fail if broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection function with the existing connector structure. The breaking unit integrates with the connector to physically disconnect it when activated by battery swelling. This eliminates the need for separate fuse elements and their mounting space, reducing the overall area while maintaining current cutoff capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a disposable component that is intentionally broken to stop current flow. Rather than using a expensive and space-consuming fuse element, the system uses a simple connector that can be mechanically severed, providing reliable current cutoff with minimal space requirements
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
Ensures rapid disconnection of current flow during abnormal conditions, preventing fires or explosions by using a mechanical mechanism that operates without the need for a microcontroller, enhancing safety and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a breaking unit that moves toward the connector due to a restoring force of the elastic member to break an electric connection between the connector and the electrode lead
Implementation Method 2
a connector breaking device that uses a push bar, elastic members, and a cartridge to mechanically disconnect electrode leads when swelling occurs
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a pair of battery cells respectively having electrode leads and stacked to face each other; a connector configured to connect the electrode leads of the pair of battery cells; and a connector breaking device disposed in a space formed between terrace portions of the pair of battery cells and operated with a pressure applied due to swelling of the battery cells to cut off an electric connection between the connector and the electrode leads.