Battery Module Heat Shutoff Mechanism for Circuit Simplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules require complex redesign of fuses due to variations in battery cell type, number of parallel-connected cells, and module structure, making the electric circuit configuration complicated.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a heat shutoff mechanism that breaks the electrical connection between the battery cell terminal and current collector plate when the cell case reaches a predetermined temperature, independent of internal resistance and module structure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuses are used to separate battery cells with abnormal current, then battery cell separation is achieved, but the electric circuit configuration becomes complicated due to redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical fuse-based protection system with a thermal-based heat shutoff mechanism. Instead of using electrical current to trigger separation (fuse blowing), the system uses temperature detection to activate a heat-responsive shutoff member that mechanically breaks the electrical connection. This substitution of the triggering mechanism simplifies the circuit design as the heat shutoff mechanism structure is independent of electrical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the triggering parameter from electrical current (fuse operation) to temperature (heat shutoff operation). The heat shutoff mechanism responds to temperature changes in the battery cell rather than electrical current variations. This parameter change allows the same mechanism to be applied across different battery configurations without redesign, as temperature is a universal indicator of abnormal conditions regardless of current variations.
2Reliability
If fuses are designed for specific battery configurations, then protection is provided, but the mechanism cannot be applied to different battery module types
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shutoff mechanism is designed with universal applicability across different battery module configurations. The mechanism uses temperature as its triggering parameter, which is independent of battery type, number of parallel-connected cells, or module structure. This allows the same heat shutoff mechanism design to be applied to various battery configurations without requiring redesign, achieving multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the electrical fuse system with a thermal-based system, the invention achieves configuration independence. The heat shutoff mechanism responds to thermal conditions that are common to all battery types, making the protection mechanism universally applicable. The mechanical heat-responsive shutoff member can be integrated into different battery module designs without requiring electrical parameter matching or redesign.
3Power
If the number of parallel-connected battery cells increases, then power output increases, but fuse design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the protection triggering parameter from electrical current to temperature. Since temperature is a direct indicator of abnormal conditions regardless of the number of parallel-connected cells, the heat shutoff mechanism maintains consistent design across different power configurations. The thermal response is independent of current magnitude, allowing the same mechanism to protect battery modules with varying numbers of parallel-connected cells without increasing design complexity.
4Reliability
If battery cell internal resistance varies, then performance characteristics differ, but fuse current requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from current-based detection to temperature-based detection. Temperature is a direct measure of abnormal heat generation that occurs regardless of the specific internal resistance characteristics of different battery cells. This allows the heat shutoff mechanism to respond to abnormal conditions in a uniform manner across battery cells with varying internal resistance, eliminating the need for customized fuse specifications.
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 a simpler electric circuit design, enabling the same heat shutoff mechanism to be applied across a broader range of battery modules, unlike fuses which are limited to specific ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a heat shutoff mechanism to break electrical connection between the terminal and the current collector plate by heat from the cell case when the cell case reaches a predetermined temperature or higher
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module has a plurality of battery cells each including a cell case and a battery element contained in the cell case. The battery module includes a lead to electrically connect a terminal of each of the battery cells to a current collector and a heat shutoff mechanism to break electrical connection between the terminal and the current collector by heat from the cell case when the cell case reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.