Integrated Battery Pack Venting Unit for Pressure Relief and Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle-mounted large battery packs, existing ventilation members fail to sufficiently release instantaneous pressure increases during abnormalities, and the assembly of ventilation members and explosion-proof valves is time-consuming, making it difficult to inspect their functions before shipment.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation unit integrating an explosion-proof valve and an internal pressure adjusting component with a ventilation membrane, which allows gas communication between the inside and outside of the housing, enabling pressure differential elimination both in normal and abnormal conditions, and allowing for pre-shipment inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ventilation member is used to eliminate pressure difference in normal operation, then the pressure differential is eliminated, but it cannot sufficiently release the instantaneous pressure increase when abnormality occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure release capabilityVSAvoidpressure differential elimination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the pressure release function into two distinct components: a ventilation member with a ventilation membrane for normal operation pressure differential elimination, and an explosion-proof valve for abnormality pressure release. Each component is optimized for its specific function, with the ventilation membrane allowing gradual gas passage during normal operation and the explosion-proof valve providing instantaneous large-area opening for abnormal pressure release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The explosion-proof valve incorporates a dynamic opening mechanism where the valve body can rotate from a closed position to an open position. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve body that rotates about an axis, allowing the opening area to dynamically adjust from zero to a large area based on pressure conditions, enabling both normal ventilation and emergency pressure release functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If ventilation member and explosion-proof valve are assembled separately to the housing, then both functions are ensured, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the ventilation member and explosion-proof valve into a single integrated unit that is pre-assembled together before installation. The ventilation membrane is positioned within the explosion-proof valve structure, creating a unified component that performs both functions. This integrated unit is then installed as one piece into the housing, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining both ventilation and pressure release functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If ventilation member and explosion-proof valve are unitized, then assembly time is reduced, but inspection of functions before shipment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidfunction inspection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

While integrating the ventilation member and explosion-proof valve into a unified structure, the design maintains distinct functional zones that can be independently tested. The ventilation membrane area is separated from the explosion-proof valve opening mechanism, allowing inspection procedures to target each function separately even within the integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection method utilizes feedback mechanisms where pressure is applied to the integrated unit and the response is observed. For the ventilation function, gas flow through the membrane is detected; for the explosion-proof function, the opening response of the valve body is observed. This feedback-based inspection allows verification of both functions in the integrated unit without requiring disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 ventilation unit effectively manages pressure differentials in normal and abnormal situations while enabling easy inspection of the explosion-proof valve's functionality, ensuring reliable operation and reducing assembly time.

Implementation Method 1

a ventilation membrane that permits flow of gases between the inside and the outside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

ventilation membrane that prevents liquids and solids from penetrating into the inside of the housing from the outside of the housing while permitting flow of gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

when internal pressure, which is a pressure inside the housing, is higher than external pressure, which is a pressure outside the housing, by a value not less than a predetermined value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a first flow path, through which gases communicate between the inside of the housing and the outside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3617570B1Gas-permeable unit
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 NITTO DENKO CORP
  • EP3617570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3617570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3617570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The ventilation unit includes: an explosion-proof valve 10 that permits gas to flow from the inside of a housing 120 to the outside of the housing 120 when internal pressure within the housing 120 is higher than external pressure outside the housing 120 by a value larger than or equal to a predetermined value, and is capable of returning to block the flow of the gas from the inside of the housing 120 to the outside of the housing 120; and a ventilation membrane 40 that permits gas to flow between the inside and the outside of the housing 120 even when a pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure is less than the predetermined value.