Multi-Function Valve Assembly for Battery Pack Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive components require gas-tight housing designs that can manage pressure equalization due to temperature fluctuations and facilitate degassing and leak testing without complex modifications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function valve assembly with a first and second valve body, biased by respective members, allowing for seated and unseated positions to enable degassing, pressure equalization, and leak testing within a single housing, using a water-impermeable membrane for gas management and seals to maintain integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas-tight housing design is used for automotive components, then sealing integrity is improved, but pressure equalization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (pressure equalization, degassing, leak testing) into a single integrated valve assembly that maintains gas-tight sealing. The first and second valve bodies are integrated within one housing, with the first valve body providing pressure equalization through a membrane and the second valve body providing degassing and leak testing capabilities, all while maintaining sealing integrity through coordinated valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: pressure equalization through the first valve body with its membrane, degassing through the second valve body, and leak testing capability. This multi-functional design allows a single gas-tight housing to achieve both sealing integrity and pressure equalization capability without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valve assemblies are used for pressure equalization and degassing, then functional capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure equalization and degassing functions into a single integrated valve assembly. The first valve body with its water-impermeable membrane handles pressure equalization, while the second valve body handles degassing, both coordinated within one housing with shared sealing mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly provides universal functionality by combining pressure equalization, degassing, and leak testing capabilities in a single device. The coordinated operation of the first and second valve bodies allows all these functions to be achieved without the complexity of multiple separate assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex modifications are made to achieve degassing and leak testing, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines degassing and leak testing modifications into the standard valve assembly design from the outset. The second valve body is integrated with the first valve body and housing, providing degassing and leak testing functionality as inherent features rather than requiring complex after-market modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed with universal functionality built-in, where the second valve body provides both degassing and leak testing capabilities through its integrated design with the first valve body and housing. This approach achieves functional versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture by incorporating all features into a single standardized assembly.
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 valve assembly effectively manages pressure equalization, degassing, and leak testing within automotive components, ensuring gas-tightness and simplicity of assembly, without requiring complex modifications to the component sealing strategy.
Implementation Method 1
a water-impermeable membrane secured to the second valve body
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member configured to bias the first valve body against the valve housing during the default position
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-function valve assemblies are provided for use in automotive components, such as traction battery packs, for example. An exemplary multi-function valve assembly may include a valve housing, a first valve body movably positioned within the valve housing, and a second valve body movably positioned within the valve housing. The first and second valve bodies may be moved between positions in which the valve bodies are seated against one another and other positions in which the valve bodies are unseated relative to one another to provide various valve functions. The multi-function valve assembly may be configured to provide functions such as degassing, pressure equalization, leak testing, etc.