Battery Pack Switching Device for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs are prone to short circuits and subsequent ignition or explosion due to external impacts, such as compression or penetration, which existing technologies like external short induction kits and fuses connected in circuits do not adequately prevent.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack with a switching device comprising metal plates acting as switches, strategically positioned above the battery module, which disconnects battery cells by melting fuses when an impact is detected, preventing short circuits and potential fires or explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity, then energy storage capacity increases, but the risk of short circuit and exothermic reaction increases when external impact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple independent battery cell units, each equipped with its own switching device and fuse. When impact is detected, individual cells can be disconnected independently through the switching mechanism, preventing cascading failures while maintaining the overall high-capacity configuration through series/parallel connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching devices and fuses as intermediary components between battery cells. These intermediaries act as protective barriers that can be activated to disconnect cells when impact is detected, preventing direct short circuits between positive and negative terminals while allowing normal operation under safe conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional fuses connected in circuit between battery modules are used, then short circuit protection is provided, but they fail to prevent short circuit when compression force or impact is applied to the battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs switching devices that are activated in advance by impact detection mechanisms. When compression force or impact is applied to the battery pack, the switching device detects the mechanical stress and proactively disconnects the battery cells before a short circuit can occur, rather than relying on passive fuse melting after contact is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical fuses with active switching devices that can detect mechanical impact and respond electronically. The switching device uses impact sensors and control circuits to detect compression forces and activate disconnection mechanisms, providing smarter protection compared to simple thermal-magnetic fuses.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If switching devices are installed to detect impact and disconnect battery cells, then safety against impact is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements switching devices at local levels within the battery pack structure, with each battery cell or module having its own dedicated switching mechanism. This localized approach allows impact protection to be applied only where needed, rather than requiring a complex system-wide solution, and enables modular replacement and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates switching devices within the existing battery pack structure by nesting them among battery cells and modules. The switching components are embedded in the battery assembly architecture, utilizing available space efficiently and avoiding additional external structures that would increase overall complexity.
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 switching device effectively blocks connections between battery cells upon impact, preventing short circuits and ensuring safety by disengaging the cells before an exothermic reaction can occur, and allows for adjustable disconnection based on impact strength.
Implementation Method 1
the first fuse may be melted and disconnected by overcurrent or heat that is generated by connection between the second electrode terminal of the first battery cell and the second electrode terminal of the second battery cell
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery module including first and second battery cells that are disposed adjacent to each other, wherein first and second electrode terminals are disposed on each of the first and second electrode terminals, a fuse part including a first fuse connecting the second electrode terminal of the first battery cell to the first electrode terminal of the second battery cell, and a switching device including a first switch disposed outside a top surface of the first battery cell of the battery module and connected to the first fuse and a second switch disposed below the first switch and connected to the second electrode terminal of the second battery cell.