Vehicle Battery Safety Module with Wireless First Responder Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery and hybrid vehicle systems lack a standardized method for collecting and communicating sensor data from battery packs to operators and first responders, especially in emergency situations where the power charging connection may not be accessible, posing risks of spark and fire due to undischarged batteries.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack safety system with a safety module communicating with sensors, including impact, moisture, and smoke sensors, that provides a stranded energy discharge module and a warning module to indicate the battery pack status externally, using a frame-mounted sensor system with backup power and connectivity to vehicle electronics for alerting first responders and discharging energy safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a power charging connection is provided for battery discharge, then energy can be discharged to reduce fire risk, but the connection may not be accessible to first responders after a collision or accident
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the battery management system and first responders. The system transmits battery status data and discharge instructions wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical access to the power charging connection while still enabling safe energy discharge through guided remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-provides multiple communication interfaces and emergency protocols before an accident occurs. Sensors continuously monitor battery conditions and pre-establish communication channels so that when an accident happens, first responders can immediately access battery information and initiate discharge procedures without needing to physically locate or connect to the power charging port.
2Reliability
If battery pack sensor output is collected and made available to first responders, then emergency response effectiveness is improved, but no common communication system currently exists to achieve this
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system's existing communication infrastructure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: normal operation monitoring, warning signal generation, and emergency data transmission. By making the communication system universal, it can handle all these scenarios through a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity while improving emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensor data collection, warning signal generation, and emergency communication into a single integrated battery management system. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated emergency communication hardware, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable data transmission to first responders through the unified system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the battery pack frame, then comprehensive monitoring of battery conditions is achieved, but the complexity of the sensor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors for detecting temperature, moisture, impact, and other battery conditions are integrated into a single sensor array within the battery pack frame. The sensors share common power supply, data processing, and communication interfaces, which reduces wiring complexity and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with universal, multi-functional components that can detect various battery conditions using similar technological principles. This approach allows comprehensive monitoring through standardized sensor modules that can be replicated and integrated systematically, reducing design complexity compared to using entirely different sensor types for each monitoring function.
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 system effectively collects and communicates battery pack conditions to operators and first responders, enabling safe discharge of energy and reducing fire risks by providing a unified sensor output and external indication of battery pack status, ensuring safety during accidents or strandings.
Implementation Method 1
The frame includes a low point for gravity collection of a fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack safety system for a battery powered vehicle includes a vehicle battery pack having at least one battery cell positioned in a bay of a frame. Multiple sensors are each supported by the frame. A safety module in communication with each of the multiple sensors collects an output of each of the sensors for transmission to a vehicle computer unit. A safety module power supply provides backup power for operation of the multiple sensors and the safety module when an electrical charge of the battery pack is unavailable. A warning module is in communication with the safety module. The warning module when initiated by a signal from the safety module in response to an output signal generated by any of the multiple sensors energizes a signaling device providing external vehicle indication of a status of the battery pack.