Battery Pack Electrode Connection Device with Impact Shut-Off Cutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Middle or large-sized battery packs face safety risks due to short circuits at electrode terminal regions when subjected to external forces, such as vehicle collisions, leading to potential fires or explosions, as existing solutions do not effectively disconnect the electrical connections during impact.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a conductive connecting member with a shut-off cutter that mechanically disconnects the electrical connection between battery modules when impacted, utilizing a simple mechanical structure without additional components or electrical signals, and an insulative material to prevent sparks during cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery modules are electrically connected in series to provide high power and large capacity, then the power and capacity of the battery pack are improved, but the risk of short circuit and fire increases when external force is applied to the electrode terminal regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-installs a shut-off cutter on the conductive connecting member that automatically activates when external force is applied during operation, rather than requiring post-incident intervention. This preliminary preparation of the safety mechanism allows immediate circuit disconnection upon impact, resolving the contradiction between maintaining series connection for high power and preventing short circuit risks during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off cutter acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the battery modules and external forces. When impact is detected, the cutter mediates by physically severing the conductive connecting member, thereby protecting the battery modules from short circuit damage while allowing the series connection to remain intact for normal high-power operation
2Reliability
If a complex disconnection mechanism is installed to protect against impact, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive connecting member with integrated shut-off cutter is designed to automatically activate upon impact without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The structure itself serves the safety function through its geometric design that converts impact force into cutting action, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simple construction and avoiding additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive connecting member is designed as a sacrificial component that may be severed during impact events. Rather than designing expensive, complex reusable protection systems, the patent uses a simple, inexpensive conductive member that can be easily replaced if needed, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining high safety standards
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
The solution effectively reduces the risk of battery pack failure by physically cutting the conductive connecting member upon impact, enhancing safety and operational reliability while preventing short circuits and electrical sparks, thus improving the overall safety and reliability of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a shut-off cutter mounted to the conductive connecting member to shut off the circuit of the conductive connecting member when impact is applied to the battery pack
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a middle or large-sized battery pack having a plurality of electrically connected battery modules, the middle or large-sized battery pack including an electrode terminal connecting device, wherein the electrode terminal connecting device includes a conductive connecting member coupled to electrode terminals of the battery modules to electrically connect the electrode terminals of the battery modules to each other and a shut-off cutter mounted to the conductive connecting member to shut off the circuit of the conductive connecting member when impact is applied to the battery pack in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.