Battery Test Bench with Nonlinear Compression Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery test benches lack the ability to apply non-linear forces to batteries, limiting control over testing and simulating forces from surrounding materials, as they rely on mechanical springs that only apply linear and increasing force.

Innovation Solution

A testing apparatus with a force applicator capable of applying adjustable, non-linear forces, such as a parabolic curve, using a pneumatic bellows or piston, controlled by a controller to maintain constant force during testing, allowing for simulation of forces from various materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical springs are used to apply force to the battery, then the testing apparatus is simple in structure, but the force application is limited to linear and increasing patterns only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce application patternVSAvoidtesting apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a motor-driven positioning system that uses a motor, drive mechanism, and positioning stage to apply force to the battery. This substitution enables non-linear force application patterns (such as parabolic curves) while maintaining structural feasibility through electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pneumatic bellows as the force applicator, which uses pneumatic pressure to generate and control the applied force on the battery. This pneumatic system allows for adjustable and non-linear force patterns while avoiding the limitations of mechanical springs, combining simplicity with versatility in force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If mechanical springs are used to apply force, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the control over compressive force is limited and cannot maintain constant force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over compressive forceVSAvoidtesting apparatus construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback control system where a sensor detects the battery's response to applied force, and the controller adjusts the motor or pneumatic pressure in real-time to maintain the desired force profile. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control over compressive force, allowing constant force application during testing while managing system complexity through integrated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical springs are used, then the testing apparatus has fewer components, but it cannot simulate forces from surrounding materials which typically follow non-linear patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidtesting apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force application from the fixed linear pattern of mechanical springs to variable patterns controlled by motor position or pneumatic pressure. This allows the system to simulate non-linear force patterns that match the behavior of surrounding materials, enhancing simulation capability while managing complexity through programmable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 finer control over compressive forces applied to batteries, simulating real-world conditions and maintaining constant force during testing, which is beneficial for laboratory testing and mitigating irreversible swelling.

Implementation Method 1

The force applicator is a pneumatic bellows. The controller is configured to control a pressure within the force applicator according to a test procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240429471A1Battery testing system and apparatus with dynamic force application

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD

AI summary

A testing apparatus for testing a battery's responses to charge and discharge cycles includes components that enable greater control over the compressive force applied to the battery being tested than typical testing apparatuses. A force applicator of the testing apparatus is able to effect an adjustable, non-linear force (e.g., according to a parabolic curve) on a battery undergoing testing, which typical techniques using mechanical springs are unable to do. A controller may adjust a force that the force applicator applies, according to a test procedure, based on information captured by at least one sensor. The testing apparatus may include sensors for measuring a thickness of the battery, and thereby an amplitude of battery swelling, over time.