Battery Cell Pressure Sensor Matrix for Swelling Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sensors, such as FSR sensors, are inadequate for accurately measuring the swelling pressure of battery cells due to their small size and inability to cover the entire surface, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential deformation of battery modules and packs.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measurement apparatus comprising first, second, and third plates, coupled via a fixing member, that cover the pressure sensor and battery cell, with pressure measuring units arranged in a grid pattern, allowing for accurate pressure measurement by minimizing electrolyte imbalance and ensuring even pressure distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the size of the FSR sensor is increased to cover the entire surface of the battery cells, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the spacer can no longer support the upper plate and lower plate, causing inaccurate pressure measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor surface coverageVSAvoidpressure measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor is divided into multiple FSR sensors arranged in a matrix pattern, where each sensor measures pressure at a specific location. This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire battery cell surface while maintaining accurate local pressure measurements, avoiding the support interference problem of a single large sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single large-area sensor to multiple small sensors distributed across the surface in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. This dimensional transformation enables comprehensive surface coverage through spatial distribution while each individual sensor maintains its measurement accuracy by remaining small enough to be properly supported.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a single large pressure sensor is used to cover the entire battery cell surface, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the sensor cannot accurately measure swelling pressure due to support interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidpressure measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure measurement function is segmented into multiple independent FSR sensors distributed across the battery cell surface. Each sensor independently measures pressure at its location without being affected by spacer support interference, ensuring reliable measurements while collectively covering the entire surface through the matrix arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple pressure sensors are distributed across the battery cell surface, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswelling pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor array complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix arrangement of FSR sensors serves multiple functions simultaneously: each sensor provides localized pressure measurement, the collective array provides comprehensive surface coverage, and the distributed configuration eliminates support interference. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus accurately measures swelling pressure, preventing deformation by evenly distributing pressure across the battery cell surface, enhancing measurement accuracy and safety by transmitting warning signals based on resistance values.

Implementation Method 1

In the case of FSR (Force-Sensing Resistor) sensor, which has previously been often used as a pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce-Sensing Resistor (FSR): Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4053531B1Apparatus for battery cell pressure measurement
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4053531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053531B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring a pressure of battery cells according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell; a pressure sensor configured to measure the surface pressure of the battery cell; and a first plate arranged between the battery cell and the pressure sensor so as to be in contact with the battery cell and the pressure sensor.