Battery Pack Tab-Based Temperature Sensing for Overheating Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery packs face issues with wire-type thermistors being damaged or cut, requiring additional processes for connection, which complicates stable temperature sensing and overheating prevention.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design featuring a protective circuit module with through-holes, electrode tabs, and a heat transfer member connected to a temperature sensing unit, allowing for stable temperature sensing and reduced assembly processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wire-type thermistor is used to measure battery temperature, then temperature measurement function is achieved, but the wire may be damaged or cut requiring additional fixing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing stabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing electrode tab structure by integrating the thermistor directly onto the electrode tab. This merging eliminates the need for separate wire connections and additional fixing processes, while maintaining reliable temperature measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive adhesive as an intermediary substance to bond the thermistor to the electrode tab. This intermediary provides both mechanical support and electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate wire-type connections and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a wire-type thermistor is used for temperature measurement, then temperature sensing is enabled, but additional processes are required to fix the wire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing component with the electrode tab structure, allowing the thermistor to be positioned and fixed in a single integrated step rather than requiring separate wire routing and fixing operations, thereby reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode tab structure serves dual purposes: it provides both electrical connection and mechanical support for the thermistor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional fixing processes and reduces overall assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional wire-type thermistors are used, then temperature sensing is possible, but stable temperature sensing of battery cells is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing accuracyVSAvoidsensing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive adhesive acts as an intermediary that ensures intimate thermal contact between the thermistor and the electrode tab, which is in direct contact with the battery cell. This improves heat transfer efficiency and ensures stable, accurate temperature sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with a bonded integration system using conductive adhesive. This substitution provides more stable thermal and electrical contact, improving measurement precision and sensing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 stable temperature sensing of battery cells to prevent overheating, reduces assembly complexity, and allows simultaneous temperature sensing at multiple positions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer member connected to a portion of the electrode tab inserted into the at least one through-hole and to the temperature sensing unit and transferring heat from the electrode tab to the temperature sensing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3576215B1Battery pack
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3576215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3576215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3576215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a battery pack including: a plurality of battery cells; a protective circuit module arranged on a side of the plurality of battery cells and including at least one through-hole; an electrode tab inserted into the at least one through-hole and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells to the protective circuit module; a temperature sensing unit arranged on the protective circuit module; and a heat transfer member connected to a portion of the electrode tab inserted into the at least one through-hole and to the temperature sensing unit and transferring heat from the electrode tab to the temperature sensing unit.