Battery Pack Casing for Integrated Submersion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack designs require an external submersion sensor, leading to a complex configuration and increased installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that incorporates a battery case with first and second conductive portions exposed to the outer surface, an insulating member between them, and a submersion detection circuit inside the case to detect electrical connections caused by submersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a submersion sensor is provided outside the battery pack, then the battery pack can detect submersion, but the configuration becomes complicated and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the submersion detection function with the existing battery case structure by integrating conductive portions directly into the case walls. This eliminates the need for separate external sensors and reduces configuration complexity while maintaining submersion detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery case is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural housing and as the submersion detection device through its conductive portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system configuration.
2Reliability
If a submersion sensor is provided outside the battery pack, then the battery pack can detect submersion, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functionality is merged into the battery case structure itself, utilizing the existing outer surface area rather than requiring additional external space. The conductive portions are formed as integral parts of the case walls, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is nested within the battery case structure, with conductive portions embedded in the case walls and detection circuits housed inside the battery pack. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency by utilizing the existing structural volume.
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 the detection of battery case submersion with a simple configuration, eliminating the need for external sensors and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a submersion detection circuit detecting an electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact caused by the submersion of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a battery pack capable of detecting submersion of a battery case with a simple configuration. [Solution] A battery case 2 includes an upper casing 8 and a lower casing 9 formed of a conductive material and exposed to an outer surface and an insulating member 12 insulating the upper casing 8 and the lower casing 9 is provided between the upper casing 8 and the lower casing 9. A first contact 4 electrically connected to the upper casing 8, a second contact 5 electrically connected to the lower casing 9, and a submersion detection circuit 6 detecting an electrical connection between the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 caused by the submersion of the upper casing 8 and the lower casing 9 are provided inside the battery case 2. The battery case 2 includes the upper casing 8 serving as a first conductive portion and the lower casing 9 serving as a second conductive portion and these casings are joined to each other to form a closed space accommodating a high-voltage battery 3. The insulating member 12 is provided at the joint between the upper casing 8 and the lower casing 9.