Battery Pack Deformation Detection via Conductive Path State Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in detecting damage to battery packs, particularly in off-road environments where punctures or deformations can lead to further damage and contamination, which existing systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack system that includes a conductive path coupled to electrical connectors and processing circuitry to detect changes in electrical characteristics, transitioning between circuit states, to diagnose deformation events such as punctures or bends, and generate notifications for the vehicle operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery pack is used in off-road environments, then the vehicle's versatility and capability are improved, but the battery pack becomes susceptible to damage and contamination from rough terrain and water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements deformation sensors and conductive paths that proactively detect potential damage before contaminants can cause further harm. The system continuously monitors the battery pack structure for deformations, punctures, or bends, and generates alerts when threshold values are exceeded, enabling preventive action before contamination occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deformation sensors and conductive paths as intermediary detection elements between the battery pack structure and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that translate physical deformations into electrical signals, enabling indirect detection of damage without direct exposure to harsh environmental contaminants.
2Measurement precision
If deformation sensors are integrated into the battery pack structure, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated system. The deformation sensors, conductive paths, and control circuitry are merged into a unified deformation detection system that monitors the battery pack structure comprehensively, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive paths serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connectivity for power and data transmission, and simultaneously act as deformation sensors that detect structural changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of electrical characteristics is implemented, then the reliability of damage detection is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of electrical characteristics rather than continuous monitoring. The control system evaluates deformation sensor readings at predetermined intervals and compares them against threshold values, maintaining reliable damage detection while reducing energy consumption by keeping the monitoring system in a low-power state between measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation detection system utilizes the battery pack's existing electrical infrastructure (conductive paths, connectors, and power supply) to perform self-diagnosis. The system monitors its own structural integrity using its existing electrical components, eliminating the need for separate high-power dedicated sensor systems and reducing overall energy consumption.
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 rapid detection and notification of battery pack deformations, reducing the risk of further damage and contamination by promptly alerting the operator, thereby enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
processing circuitry configured to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive path indicating a transition from a first circuit state of the conductive path to a second circuit state of the conductive path
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining a deformation event in a battery pack. The battery pack may comprise a conductive path coupled to a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. Processing circuitry may be configured to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive path indicating a transition from a first circuit state of the conductive path to a second circuit state of the conductive path. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine, in response to the detecting, a deformation event in the battery pack.