Battery Pack Strain Sensor Layout for Small Expansion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices struggle to accurately detect the small strain caused by battery expansion in battery packs, leading to difficulties in monitoring battery health effectively.

Innovation Solution

A sensor module comprising a metal strain generating body with a Cr mixed phase film strain gauge, strategically positioned on the housing of the battery pack to detect deformation with high sensitivity, utilizing adhesive regions and a non-adhesive space to enhance strain detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a strain gauge is used to detect battery expansion, then the battery state can be monitored, but the detection accuracy is insufficient due to small strain magnitude

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstrain detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the strain gauge by using a Cr mixed phase film with specific crystal structures (Cr, Cr2N, CrN) and controlling its thickness (50-200nm) to enhance the gauge factor and detection sensitivity for small strain measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite film structure consisting of multiple layers including Cr mixed phase film, CrN film, and Cr2O3 film, where each layer contributes different properties to achieve high detection accuracy while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If adhesive regions are added to secure the strain gauge, then the detection stability is improved, but the strain detection accuracy may be reduced due to adhesive interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection stabilityVSAvoidstrain detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the substrate into distinct adhesive regions and non-adhesive regions, where adhesive regions provide secure mounting and non-adhesive regions ensure accurate strain transmission to the gauge, eliminating the trade-off between stability and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different regions: adhesive regions have high bonding strength to ensure stability, while non-adhesive regions have optimal mechanical properties for strain transmission, achieving both reliability and precision simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 sensor module effectively detects battery expansion with increased sensitivity, allowing for accurate monitoring of battery state and deformation, thereby improving the detection of battery health and preventing issues like liquid leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a strain gauge including a Cr mixed phase film as a resistor, the strain gauge being provided on one side of the strain generating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

a strain gauge including a Cr mixed phase film as a resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

on another side of the strain generating body, a plurality of adhesive regions separated from each other and adhered to the housing are defined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240295450A1Sensor module, battery pack
Publication Date: 2024.09.05 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • US20240295450A1 patent drawing
  • US20240295450A1 patent drawing
  • US20240295450A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor module includes a strain generating body that is made of metal, the strain generating body being adhered to an outer surface of a housing configured to house a battery; and a strain gauge including a Cr mixed phase film as a resistor, the strain gauge being provided on one side of the strain generating body, wherein on another side of the strain generating body, a plurality of adhesive regions separated from each other and adhered to the housing are defined, and the strain gauge is arranged on the one side of the strain generating body in a region that is not opposite to the adhesive regions.