Battery Module Expansion Probe for Internal Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pouch-type rechargeable batteries lack real-time detection of internal gas generation, leading to potential rupture and safety hazards due to the inability to monitor internal pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a sensing probe at the external surface of battery cells to detect local expansion changes and transmit a warning signal when internal pressure exceeds a threshold, preventing accidents by estimating internal pressure from volume expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pouch-type batteries are used without expansion detection, then manufacturing cost is reduced and structure is simplified, but safety is compromised due to inability to detect internal pressure and gas generation in real time
Solution Approach 1:
A sensing probe is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the control system. The probe detects expansion of the battery cell externally and transmits signals to the controller, enabling indirect measurement of internal pressure conditions without penetrating or complicating the battery's internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct mechanical pressure sensing inside the battery with an external mechanical expansion detection system. Instead of measuring internal pressure mechanically through seals or membranes, the system measures the mechanical expansion of the battery cell's external surface, substituting a simpler mechanical measurement approach.
2Reliability
If real-time internal pressure detection is implemented, then safety is improved by preventing battery case rupture, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing probe serves as an intermediary that translates internal pressure conditions into external measurable signals. By detecting battery cell expansion externally, the system avoids the complexity of direct internal pressure sensing while maintaining the ability to monitor safety-critical conditions in real time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives signals from the sensing probe and generates warning signals when expansion exceeds threshold values. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and immediate safety responses without requiring complex predictive modeling or additional sensing components.
3Reliability
If expansion sensing probe is added to battery module, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing probe is positioned externally on the battery module, serving as an intermediary detection point that does not require integration into the battery's internal structure. This external placement simplifies manufacturing by allowing the probe to be added during module assembly rather than requiring modification of battery production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing probe and controller are pre-configured with threshold values for expansion detection. During manufacturing, the system is prepared in advance with safety parameters, allowing for standardized production and simplified quality control without requiring complex calibration procedures for each individual battery.
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
Enhances safety by preventing battery case rupture and ensuring timely intervention, thereby improving the lifetime and safety of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
sense a local expansion change of the battery cell and transmitting a signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery module that includes a probe for detecting expansion of a battery cell. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery module including: two or more of rechargeable battery cells; a sensing probe provided at an external surface of at least one of the battery cells to sense a local expansion change of the battery cell and transmitting a signal; and a controller receiving the signal from the sensing probe, estimating an internal pressure of the battery cell from the received signal, and generating a warning signal to assure safety of the battery module when the estimated internal pressure exceeds a threshold pressure level.