High-Voltage Battery Quick Release System for Thermal Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage batteries in electrified vehicles can overheat, leading to thermal events that may result in vehicle damage and loss, necessitating a quick and safe method to disconnect the battery from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage battery quick release system that includes a controller, mechanical decoupler, and electrical decoupler, allowing for mechanical and electrical disconnection of the battery using a quick release switch, and switching power to a low-voltage battery to propel the vehicle away from the decoupled high-voltage battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the high-voltage battery system is utilized to power the electric motor and recharge the low-voltage battery system, then the vehicle can operate as an electrified vehicle with extended range and improved efficiency, but the high-voltage battery system can overheat potentially leading to thermal events that may result in total vehicle loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the high-voltage and low-voltage battery systems into independent operational units. The quick release mechanism physically divides the vehicle into two separable components: the vehicle body and the high-voltage battery pack, allowing the battery to be isolated and removed if thermal events occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-voltage battery system from the vehicle structure through a quick release mechanism. This allows the battery to be rapidly removed and taken away from the vehicle in emergency situations, preventing thermal events from causing total vehicle loss while maintaining normal integrated operation during regular use
2Reliability
If a quick release system is implemented to mechanically and electrically disconnect the high-voltage battery, then the vehicle can be quickly separated from the battery in thermal events, but the system complexity increases with multiple decouplers and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple decoupling functions into an integrated quick release mechanism. The mechanical decoupler and electrical decoupler work together as a unified system that simultaneously handles both mechanical and electrical disconnection, reducing the number of separate components and control systems needed
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release switch serves multiple functions: it activates both the mechanical decoupler and electrical decoupler, and also triggers the power source switching between high-voltage and low-voltage battery systems. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating control functions into a single interface
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the low-voltage battery is configured to propel the vehicle a predetermined distance away from the decoupled high-voltage battery, then the vehicle can be moved to a safe distance from the thermal hazard, but the low-voltage battery must provide sufficient power for propulsion which increases energy demands on the low-voltage system
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the low-voltage battery for partial propulsion only for the specific purpose of moving the vehicle a predetermined safe distance away from the decoupled high-voltage battery. This is not intended for full vehicle operation, but rather as an emergency escape function that requires only sufficient power for limited-distance movement, not excessive power for full performance
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 rapid and safe disconnection of the high-voltage battery, preventing further damage and allowing the vehicle to be safely moved away from the decoupled battery, thereby reducing the risk of total loss in thermal events.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical decoupler comprises a pyrotechnic fastener that couples the high-voltage battery to the vehicle. The controller, responsive to the activation signal, sends a signal initiating a charge causing the pyrotechnic fastener to break into more than one piece disconnecting the high-voltage battery from the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage battery quick release system for an electrified vehicle and related method for using same is provided. In one exemplary implementation, the high-voltage battery quick release system includes a first quick release switch that sends an activation signal indicative of a battery disconnect request. A mechanical decoupled is configured to mechanically decouple the high-voltage battery from the vehicle. An electrical decoupler is configured to electrically disconnect the high-voltage battery from the vehicle. A controller receives a signal from the first quick release switch and, responsive to the activation signal, (i) sends a signal to the mechanical decoupler that mechanically decouples the high-voltage battery from the vehicle and (ii) electrically disconnects the high-voltage battery from the vehicle.