Battery Module Short Circuit Member for Overcharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion secondary batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent overcharge and puncture damage, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a short circuit member externally connected to multiple battery cells, which includes a base region, first extension region, and second extension region, allowing overcharge current to be bypassed and providing puncture protection by creating a bypass short circuit current passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a lithium ion secondary battery is designed with high capacity for hybrid or electric vehicles, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the risk of overcharge and puncture damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A short circuit member is introduced as an intermediary component between battery cells. This member includes a base region and extension regions that can bridge between cells, creating a controlled short circuit path that protects against overcharge and puncture damage while allowing high capacity operation
Solution Approach 2:
The short circuit member is pre-installed in a non-conductive state during battery assembly. When overcharge or puncture occurs, the member automatically transitions to a conductive state, establishing a protective short circuit path before catastrophic failure can occur
2Reliability
If a safety device is added to rapidly cut off charge or discharge paths in overcharge or puncture conditions, then the protection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The short circuit member is designed to automatically activate and protect the battery system without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex circuitry. The member itself performs the safety function through its structural design, eliminating the need for additional control devices
Solution Approach 2:
The short circuit member changes its electrical conductivity parameter in response to physical conditions. In normal operation, it remains non-conductive; when subjected to overcharge or puncture forces, it transitions to a conductive state, automatically creating a protective short circuit path
3Reliability
If a short circuit member is externally connected to battery cells to bypass overcharge current, then the safety is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The short circuit member is divided into distinct functional regions: a base region for attachment and extension regions for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently and simplifies the assembly process by separating mounting functions from conductive functions
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 effectively bypassing overcharge currents and rapidly reducing energy in case of puncture, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
a short circuit member (300) externally connected to the first battery cell (100a) and the second battery cell (100b)... allowing overcharge current to be bypassed... creating a bypass short circuit current passage
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row; a plurality of bus bars connecting the plurality of battery cells in series; and a short circuit member that is mechanically connected to a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and that is electrically connected to a second battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.