Power Storage Module Thermistor Mount for Accurate Cell Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the sensor unit configuration in existing power storage modules leads to decreased precision in temperature detection due to heat conduction through the biasing member and thermistor element.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module with a simplified configuration, featuring a stack of power storage cells, a resin plate, a flexible printed circuit board, a thermistor element, a cover member made of resin, and an elastic body, where the thermistor element is pressed towards a power storage cell using the elastic body, minimizing heat conduction and enhancing visibility of the contact state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing member is used to press the thermistor element toward the power storage cell, then the contact between the thermistor element and power storage cell is ensured, but heat conduction through the biasing member and thermistor element decreases precision in temperature detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing member from the sensor unit configuration. Instead of using a separate biasing member to press the thermistor element, the thermistor element is directly mounted on the conductive path member which is in contact with the power storage cell, eliminating the heat conduction path through the biasing member while maintaining contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive path member serves as an intermediary that directly contacts both the power storage cell and the thermistor element. This eliminates the need for a separate biasing member and reduces heat conduction paths, as the conductive path member is already in direct contact with the power storage cell surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If a complex sensor unit configuration with multiple components is used, then the sensor unit can be assembled, but the configuration becomes complicated and heat conduction paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing function into the mount structure itself. The mount is designed with an elastic body that provides the pressing force, eliminating the need for a separate biasing member. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall sensor unit configuration while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sensor element, positions the conductive path member, and provides the biasing force through its elastic body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
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
This configuration improves the precision of temperature detection by reducing heat conduction and allows for visual confirmation of the contact state, thereby stabilizing the thermistor's contact with the power storage cell.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic body is located between the cover member and the thermistor element to press the thermistor element toward the power storage cell
Implementation Method 2
When detecting the temperature of the power storage cell by pressing a thermistor element toward the power storage cell by the biasing member, precision in temperature detection may be decreased due to heat conduction through the biasing member and the thermistor element
Data Source
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AI summary
In a stack, a plurality of power storage cells (100) are stacked. A resin plate (400) is placed on the stack. A flexible printed circuit board (510) is placed on the resin plate (400) and has an electric circuit electrically connected to the plurality of power storage cells (100). A thermistor element (550) is provided on the electric circuit and is in contact with one power storage cell (100) of the plurality of power storage cells (100) to detect a temperature of the power storage cell (100). A cover member (700) is provided on the resin plate (400) to cover the flexible printed circuit board (510). An elastic body (740) is located between the cover member (700) and the thermistor element (550) to press the thermistor element (550) toward the power storage cell (100). The cover member (700) includes a protuberance (730) that protrudes toward the resin plate (400) side. The elastic body (740) is disposed on the protuberance (730).