Battery Pack Pressure Relief Valve Structure for In-Place Airtightness Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valves for battery packs in electrified vehicles require pre-installation pressure testing or removal for testing, lacking convenience and stability in installation and connection.
Innovation Solution
A compact pressure relief valve design with a flange structure, breathable membrane, and integrated support portions for easy installation and testing, allowing airtightness verification without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure relief valve is installed on battery pack, then airtightness is maintained during installation, but pressure testing requires removal of valve
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is segmented into a modular structure with a valve body, flange structure, and breathable membrane that can function independently. This segmentation allows the valve to maintain airtightness when installed while providing alternative testing methods through the flange structure's integrated test interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the valve assembly, enables mounting to the battery pack, and incorporates an integrated test interface that allows pressure testing to be performed without removing the valve. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining airtightness and enabling convenient testing.
2Device complexity
If traditional pressure relief valve structure is used, then simple design is achieved, but connection stability with battery pack is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure merges the mounting function with the valve body in an integrated design. The flange structure includes both the connection interface for the battery pack and the support structure for the breathable membrane, combining multiple functions into a single unified component that enhances connection stability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If valve is removed for pressure testing, then accurate testing is achieved, but installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure incorporates an integrated test interface that is prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows pressure testing to be performed directly on the installed valve through the pre-configured test ports, eliminating the need for valve removal and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining testing accuracy.
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
Facilitates convenient and accurate pressure testing of battery packs by maintaining airtightness during installation, ensuring rapid gas exchange under varying pressures, and enhancing structural robustness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a breathable and waterproof membrane, and a tensioning frame that presses the breathable and waterproof membrane against the support element
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief structure for an electrified vehicle battery pack includes a valve body having a first end and a second end, and a through hole extending between the first end and the second end, a breathable membrane extending across the first end of the valve body, and a valve cover covering the breathable membrane and having fluid passages that couple the through hole to atmosphere. The valve cover include a protrusion configured to engage a first tool, and a cavity in the protrusion configured to engage a second tool. A flange structure disposed between the first end and the second end extends circumferentially and forms a secondary fluid flow path.