Battery Module Terminal Connecting Member with Integrated Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power battery modules face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling the temperature of battery cells, which can lead to safety issues such as ignition or explosion due to heat accumulation, and existing methods are inefficient and require additional processes for temperature measurement.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring first and second connecting portions on a cap plate face, with a terminal connecting member that press-fits and includes a sensing member with insulating properties to securely attach and measure temperature, allowing for accurate temperature control and improved safety without separate processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate temperature measurement process is used, then temperature can be measured, but the process becomes inefficient and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing member is integrated into the terminal connecting member, combining the temperature measurement function with the electrical connection function. This eliminates the need for separate temperature measurement processes and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal connecting member is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection between battery cells and temperature sensing. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and streamlines the overall measurement and connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the sensing member is securely attached to measure temperature accurately, then temperature control improves, but additional attachment processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing member and terminal connecting member are integrated into a single component, so that electrical connection and temperature sensing are achieved simultaneously in one assembly operation, eliminating separate attachment processes and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing member is pre-integrated into the terminal connecting member during manufacturing, so that upon installation, both electrical connection and temperature measurement capabilities are immediately available without requiring additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the terminal connecting member presses the connecting portions, then electrical connection is secure, but the sensing member must withstand this pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidsensing member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing member is constructed from heat-resistant and pressure-resistant materials that can withstand the pressing force applied by the terminal connecting member while maintaining its sensing functionality. This composite material approach ensures both reliable electrical connection and durability of the sensing component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing member is designed with material properties that allow it to withstand the specific pressure range applied during connection. By selecting materials with appropriate mechanical strength and elastic modulus, the sensing member can endure the pressing force without deformation or failure while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The design enables stable and accurate temperature measurement and control of battery cells, enhancing safety and productivity by securely attaching the sensing member and preventing short circuits, thus reducing the risk of ignition or explosion.

Implementation Method 1

The facing portion may be elastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The protrusion portion of the first connecting portion may engage the opening by a press-fit engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress-fit engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9028994B2Battery module including sensing member pressed by terminal connecting member

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A battery module includes at least one pair of first and second battery cells, each of the first and second battery cells including a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal and a first face including a first connecting portion, a terminal connecting member electrically connecting the first electrode terminal of the first battery cell and the second electrode terminal of the second battery cell, and a sensing member including a second connecting portion coupled with the first connecting portion. The first and second connecting portions are located on the first face and the terminal connecting member is in a pressure applying relationship with the first and second connecting portions. The first face may be provided by a cap plate, and the first and second electrode terminals are spaced apart at respective ends of the cap plate.