Battery Module Sensor Contact Structure for Accurate Cell Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face challenges in accurately measuring battery cell temperature due to unstable contact between temperature sensors and battery cells, leading to potential safety issues and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a flexible printed circuit board with a temperature sensor, an upper plate with an elastic member that presses the circuit board to ensure stable contact with the battery cell, and a compression pad for improved contact and durability, utilizing a thermistor for accurate temperature measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a temperature sensor is connected to battery cells to monitor temperature, then safety and operation efficiency can be improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unstable contact between the sensor and battery cell

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-installed on the upper plate to automatically press the temperature sensor against the battery cell when the battery module is assembled, ensuring stable contact before operation begins. This preliminary mechanical action eliminates the need for manual adjustment and maintains consistent measurement pressure throughout battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides dynamic, adaptive pressure to the temperature sensor-battery cell interface. As the battery expands or contracts during charging and discharging cycles, the elastic member automatically adjusts the contact force, maintaining optimal measurement pressure without requiring external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is pressed firmly against the battery cell to improve contact stability, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the battery module structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidbattery module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the battery cells, acts as a mounting surface for the elastic member, and transmits the elastic force to ensure temperature sensor contact. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pressing mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving stable measurement contact.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is integrated into the upper plate structure and automatically performs the pressing function without requiring external actuators, motors, or control systems. The elastic force is generated passively through the mechanical design of the cutout structure, making the system self-regulating and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides stable and accurate temperature measurement of battery cells by applying a force through the elastic member, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by maintaining consistent contact and improving measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an upper plate that is partially cut and thus an elastic member is formed, and the elastic member presses the portion of the flexible printed circuit board in which the temperature sensor is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11811031B2Battery module
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US11811031B2 patent drawing
  • US11811031B2 patent drawing
  • US11811031B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery module including a temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a flexible printed circuit board where the temperature sensor is provided; a battery cell that overlaps a portion of the flexible printed circuit board, in which the temperature sensor is provided; and an upper plate that is disposed above the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the upper plate is partially cut so as to define an elastic member, and the elastic member presses the portion of the flexible printed circuit board in which the temperature sensor is provided so as to cause the flexible printed circuit board to contact the battery cell.