Portable Battery Swelling Detection Using Vibrational Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in detecting battery swelling, a potentially dangerous condition that can lead to damage and chemical leakage, as existing methods are not effective in monitoring battery health in situ without constraining the battery.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that apply a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal to the battery terminals, measuring the mechanical response using sensors to diagnose battery health, including detecting swelling, by analyzing the vibrational response across a wide frequency range, allowing for in-situ testing and characterization of battery conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional battery testing methods are used, then battery health can be monitored, but the battery cannot be tested in-situ without constraining it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery health monitoringVSAvoidin-situ testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical constraint-based testing methods with an acoustic/electrical field-based measurement system. By applying measurement signals (electrical or acoustic) to the battery and detecting mechanical responses through sensors, the system enables non-contact or minimal-contact in-situ testing without physical constraints on the battery structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces measurement signals as intermediaries between the testing system and the battery. These signals (electrical, acoustic, or mechanical vibrations) act as mediators that carry information about the battery's internal state without requiring direct physical manipulation or constraint of the battery components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the battery is enclosed within the device casing, then the device structure is maintained, but battery swelling may develop undetected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice enclosure integrityVSAvoidbattery swelling detection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration or acoustic signals to the enclosed battery and detects changes in the mechanical response characteristics. Swollen batteries exhibit different vibrational properties compared to healthy batteries, allowing detection of swelling conditions while the battery remains enclosed within the device casing without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors changes in physical parameters (such as acoustic impedance, mechanical resonance frequency, or vibration amplitude) of the battery as it undergoes swelling. These parameter changes provide detectable indicators of battery degradation while the battery remains constrained within the device enclosure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional testing methods are used, then battery characteristics can be measured, but the testing process is complex and requires specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery characteristic measurementVSAvoidtesting apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a testing system that can measure multiple battery characteristics (internal resistance, swelling, capacity degradation) using a single integrated apparatus. The system applies different types of measurement signals and uses sensor arrays to detect various mechanical responses, enabling comprehensive battery diagnostics without requiring multiple specialized testing devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses measurement signals that create response patterns which can be analyzed to infer battery characteristics. By analyzing the mechanical response (acoustic, vibrational, or deformation patterns) to applied signals, the system creates an indirect representation or 'copy' of the battery's internal state, enabling precise measurement without direct physical access to internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 non-invasive detection of battery swelling and health characterization, potentially preventing damage by identifying swollen batteries before they cause harm, using existing or inexpensive sensors within the device, without affecting the battery's state of charge.

Implementation Method 1

applying a measurement signal to at least one terminal of the battery, wherein the measurement signal is a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal; and obtaining a measurement of a mechanical response of the battery to the measurement signal from a sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS20240291054A1Portable electronic device battery testing

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 CIRRUS LOGIC INT SEMICON LTD

AI summary

A method of testing a battery of a portable electronic device, the method implemented by the portable electronic device or battery-testing apparatus thereof, the method comprising: applying a measurement signal to at least one terminal of the battery, wherein the measurement signal is a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal; and obtaining a measurement of a mechanical response of the battery to the measurement signal from a sensor.