Battery Insulation Resistance Measurement for In-Chamber Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring insulation resistances and parasitic capacitances of batteries are cumbersome, pose safety risks due to manual voltage application, and are inaccurate due to voltage limitations, especially when batteries are in a chamber for temperature testing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using a control unit to automatically calculate insulation resistances and parasitic capacitances by controlling switches and ADCs to measure voltages and resistances without manual voltage application, allowing for safe and accurate measurements even when the battery is in a chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate voltage is manually applied to measure insulation resistances, then measurement capability is achieved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of electric shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation resistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidelectric shock risk to user
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a measurement device as an intermediary between the user and the battery. The device automatically applies the necessary voltage through controlled circuit connections and measures insulation resistance without requiring the user to manually handle high voltage, thus eliminating electric shock risk while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device performs self-service by automatically applying voltage and measuring insulation resistance without user intervention. The system autonomously manages the high voltage application and measurement process, freeing the user from direct interaction with potentially dangerous electrical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the battery is moved in and out of the chamber for measurement, then insulation resistance measurement is possible, but measurement process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation resistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement process convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both insulation resistance measurement and temperature testing. By integrating these functions, the device can remain connected to the battery throughout the entire process, eliminating the need to move the battery in and out of the chamber while maintaining both measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the insulation resistance measurement function with the temperature testing function into a single integrated measurement system. This combination allows the battery to remain in the chamber throughout both operations, simplifying the overall measurement process and improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If DCR meter is manually coupled to measure insulation resistance, then measurement is achieved, but operation complexity increases due to manual voltage application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation resistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device performs self-service by automatically applying the necessary voltage and measuring insulation resistance without requiring manual user operations. The system autonomously manages circuit connections, voltage application, and measurement processes, significantly reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control. Instead of manually connecting and disconnecting measurement devices and applying voltage, the system uses automated circuit switching and electronic voltage application, eliminating cumbersome manual procedures

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

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 simultaneous and accurate calculation of insulation resistances and parasitic capacitances, reducing the risk of electric shock and improving measurement accuracy, allowing for convenient in-chamber testing.

Implementation Method 1

measured the insulation resistance of the positive electrode insulation resistor 12 by dividing the applied voltage by a current flowing through the positive electrode terminal 10 and the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

measured the insulation resistance of the negative electrode insulation resistor 22 by dividing the applied voltage by a current flowing through the negative electrode terminal 20 and the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11921165B2Apparatus and method for calculating characteristics of battery
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 SK ON CO LTD
  • US11921165B2 patent drawing
  • US11921165B2 patent drawing
  • US11921165B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method capable of calculating insulation resistances and parasitic capacitances of a battery outside the battery. In the present invention, when a positive electrode connector and a negative electrode connector are coupled to a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal of the battery, respectively, and a ground connector is coupled to a case of the battery, even though the battery is positioned inside a chamber in order to perform a temperature test or the like of the battery, the insulation resistances and the parasitic capacitances of the battery may be calculated without needing to move the battery to the outside of the chamber. Accordingly, the insulation resistances and the parasitic capacitances of the battery may be conveniently calculated.