Battery Dilation Sensing With Magnetic Force Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods to monitor battery dilation accurately and in real-time, which is crucial for predicting electrode dry-out and improving battery life and energy density estimation.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a magnet and a magnetic force sensor to measure battery dilation by detecting changes in magnetic force strength as the battery expands, with a control module to quantify the dilation based on these changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used for battery dilation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because existing technologies lack effective methods to monitor battery dilation accurately and in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedilation measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic intermediary element is introduced between the battery cell and the force sensor. This magnetic element couples the battery's physical expansion to the magnetic force field, allowing indirect measurement of dilation through magnetic force changes. The intermediary translates mechanical expansion into measurable magnetic interactions without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical gauges, contact sensors, or physical probes that would require direct contact with the battery, the system uses magnetic force sensors to detect changes in magnetic field strength caused by battery expansion. This substitution enables non-contact, real-time measurement while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If real-time monitoring is implemented for battery dilation, then reliability is improved by enabling prediction of electrode dry-out, but device complexity increases due to the need for continuous measurement systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery life prediction accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic force sensor continuously measures the magnetic field strength between the magnet and the sensor throughout the battery's charge and discharge cycles. This continuous measurement provides real-time data on battery expansion, enabling ongoing monitoring of dilation trends. The system maintains constant measurement capability without requiring intermittent calibration or manual intervention, ensuring uninterrupted reliability assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control module receives continuous feedback from the magnetic force sensor about the battery's dilation state. This feedback mechanism allows the system to track changes in battery dimensions over time and predict future conditions such as electrode dry-out. The control module processes the magnetic force data to provide actionable information about battery health and remaining life, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that enhances reliability through continuous assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 precise monitoring of battery dilation, facilitating improved battery design and performance by preventing electrode dry-out and enhancing cell life, while allowing for better energy density estimation.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic force sensor is configured to sense a change in magnetic force strength between the magnet and the magnetic force sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12553701B2Systems and methods for measuring real time battery dilation
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US12553701B2 patent drawing
  • US12553701B2 patent drawing
  • US12553701B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for measuring battery dilation. The system includes a battery cell, a magnet, and a magnetic force sensor. One of the magnet and the magnetic force sensor moves in response to expansion of the battery cell during dilation of the battery cell. The other of the magnet and the magnetic force sensor is stationary relative to the battery cell. The magnetic force sensor is configured to sense a change in magnetic force strength between the magnet and the magnetic force sensor. A control module is in communication with the magnetic force sensor. The control module is configured to measure degree of dilation of the battery cell based on the change in the magnetic force strength between the magnet and the magnetic force sensor. The magnetic force strength between the magnet and the magnetic force sensor changes as the battery cell expands during dilation.