Battery Fluid Regulating System with SMA Actuated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical battery cells, such as air-depolarized and air-assisted cells, face limitations in maximizing oxygen entry rates while minimizing CO2 and water diffusion, leading to inefficiencies in discharge rates and cell longevity due to the complexity and cost of external controls like fans and valves.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulating system with a movable valve plate actuated by SMA wires, integrated within the battery cell, controls oxygen entry by adjusting aperture alignment to optimize fluid flow based on discharge rates, using a non-conductive chassis and conductive frame for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fans and external valves are used to control fluid entry, then oxygen entry rate can be increased, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve mechanism directly into the cell housing structure, combining the fluid control function with the structural housing. This eliminates the need for separate external valves and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to control oxygen entry rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to be actuated by the battery management system using existing electrical infrastructure within the cell, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex mechanical linkages. The system uses its own electrical system to control fluid flow.
2Speed
If fans are used to force air into cells during high rate discharge, then oxygen diffusion rate increases, but volume within cells and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fan systems with an electrochemically actuated valve mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for rotating mechanical components, reducing volume requirements and simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving the same fluid control objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of aperture size to control fluid flow rate, replacing the need for high-volume fan systems with a compact variable-orifice control mechanism that achieves oxygen delivery through parameter adjustment rather than mechanical forcing.
3Manufacturing precision
If external electronics are used to control valve operation, then fluid flow control precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, fluid sealing, and flow control, all within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediary mechanism between the electrical control system and the fluid flow, using a directly actuated valve that responds to electrical signals without requiring complex external electronics. This intermediary structure enables precise control while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 allows for precise control of fluid entry, enhancing discharge rates during high demand while minimizing unwanted gas diffusion, reducing complexity and cost, and ensuring efficient energy use with a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid regulating system with a movable valve plate actuated by SMA wires
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery comprising : at least one fluid consuming cell comprising a cell housing having one or more fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell, a first fluid consuming electrode disposed within said cell housing, and a second electrode disposed within said cell housing; and a fluid regulating system comprising: a valve comprising a moving plate having at least one aperture and being movable to open and close the valve to control entry of fluid to the one or more fluid entry ports; an actuator for actuating the moving plate to open and close the valve; a chassis supporting the moving plate and the actuator, wherein the chassis is made of an elctrically non-conductive material; and an 'electrically conductive frame comprising electrically conductive circuit elements, said frame having one or more electrical components mounted thereon and being substantially encapsulated within the chassis.