Battery Pack FPC Solder Joint for Durable Cell Supervision Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The durability of the electrical connection between a flexible printed circuit and a cell supervision circuit in rechargeable battery packs is compromised due to frequent damage from connector attachment and detachment, leading to potential disconnection.

Innovation Solution

The connection between the flexible printed circuit and the cell supervision circuit is established using electrically conductive solder instead of a connector, with conductive pad portions and a solder application method that maximizes the connection area and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector is used to electrically connect the flexible printed circuit and the cell supervision circuit, then the connection can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the durability of the electrical connection deteriorates due to frequent attachment and detachment causing circuit damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoiddurability of electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connector component from the electrical connection system and replaces it with a soldered connection. By removing the connector, the source of mechanical stress and connection failure is eliminated, while the soldered joint provides permanent reliable electrical connection between the FPC and cell supervision circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the circuit board structure through soldering, combining the FPC trace, pad, and cell supervision circuit into a unified soldered assembly. This integration eliminates the separate connector component and creates a more robust electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of repair

If the connector is frequently attached and detached for maintenance or replacement, then the adaptability and ease of repair are improved, but the circuit connected to the connector becomes frequently damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of component replacementVSAvoidmechanical damage to circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the FPC with expanded pad portions that protrude from the circuit line. These expanded pads provide a larger soldering surface area and create a more robust mechanical anchor point, cushioning the connection against mechanical stresses that would otherwise damage the circuit during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-expanding the pad portions of the FPC before soldering. The expanded pads are formed in advance with greater surface area and protrusion, preparing the connection interface to withstand future mechanical stresses and ensuring durable solder attachment before any maintenance or replacement operations occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method prevents disconnection due to pressurized damage, ensuring a stable and durable electrical connection between the circuits.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the cell supervision circuit by an electrically conductive solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The electrically conductive solder may be a cream solder applied to the first step side, the second step side, and the round groove, may be bonded by laser heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The electrically conductive solder may be a cream solder applied to the first step side, the second step side, and the round groove, may be bonded by laser heat, and may be electrically connected to the cell supervision circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP4407744B1Rechargeable battery pack
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4407744B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407744B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4407744B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rechargeable battery pack according to an embodiment includes: a cell assembly including at least one battery cell; a side frame accommodating the cell assembly; a flexible printed circuit (FPC) electrically connected to the cell assembly and configured to sense at least one property of the battery cell; and a cell supervision circuit electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit and on one side of the side frame. The flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the cell supervision circuit by an electrically conductive solder.