Battery Module Circuit Board Layout for Cell Venting and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in smoothly discharging high-temperature gas and flame upward due to the presence of a circuit board obstructing venting holes, and temperature sensors are inaccurate in measuring internal cell laminate temperatures and stresses, leading to potential ignition risks and structural instability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a circuit board with a temperature sensor and surface pressure sensor positioned at the planar center of the cell laminate, and using compressible pads to absorb tolerance and swelling, ensuring accurate temperature and stress measurement while allowing complete upward discharge of gases and flames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circuit board is installed on the upper surface of the cell laminate to measure voltage and temperature, then the battery module can monitor cell state, but the venting hole cannot be provided in the area where the circuit board is located, preventing smooth discharge of high-temperature gas and flame upward
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is extracted from the upper surface of the cell laminate and relocated to the side surface. This removal from the critical venting area allows the venting hole to be provided at the center of the upper surface without obstruction, enabling smooth discharge of high-temperature gas and flame upward while maintaining voltage and temperature monitoring capabilities through the side-mounted circuit board
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board positioning is changed from the two-dimensional upper surface to the side surface (vertical dimension). This dimensional relocation resolves the spatial conflict between the circuit board and the venting hole, allowing both components to coexist without interfering with each other's function
2Ease of operation
If a temperature sensor is placed on the sealed portion of the battery cell, then the circuit board can be positioned on the upper surface, but the temperature measured cannot represent the exact internal temperature of the cell laminate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the sealed portion and relocated to the side surface of the battery cell, positioned to directly contact the cell body. This relocation enables the sensor to measure the actual internal temperature more accurately while the circuit board remains accessible on the upper surface for electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The side surface of the battery cell serves as an intermediary location that provides both accurate temperature measurement access and electrical connection access, allowing the circuit board to be positioned on the upper surface while the temperature sensor contacts the cell body through the side surface pathway
3Weight of moving object
If the battery module structure is made compact to reduce weight and size, then integration is improved, but the cell laminate cannot be adequately protected from swelling and structural degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Compressible pads with specific elastic properties are applied locally at critical positions (side surfaces and upper surface) of the cell laminate. These pads provide targeted mechanical support and swelling restriction where needed, while maintaining the overall compact structure and minimizing additional weight
Solution Approach 2:
Compressible pads are pre-installed between the cell laminate and housing structure to provide beforehand cushioning against swelling. These pads elastically deform to accommodate cell expansion during operation, preventing structural degradation before it occurs while maintaining compact module dimensions
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 solution enables efficient upward discharge of gases and flames, accurate monitoring of battery module state and ignition risks, and minimizes structural degradation by precise temperature and stress sensing, enhancing safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible pad stacked at one widthwise end of the circuit board or stacked at both widthwise ends of the circuit board, and a sensor hole opened in the compressible pad at a location corresponding to the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that comes into contact with a surface of the battery cell through the sensor hole opened in the compressible pad
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a structure of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells stacked in widthwise direction to form a cell laminate, wherein the cell laminate includes a circuit board, the circuit board including at least one of: a temperature sensor in contact with a surface of battery cell, and a surface pressure sensor measuring internal stress in widthwise direction of the cell laminate.