Battery Pack Vent Path Fuse for Gas Discharge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply devices for vehicles face challenges in cost-effectively detecting gas discharge at high temperature and high pressure from secondary battery cells, as traditional temperature and gas detection sensors are unnecessary during normal use, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thermal fuse in the gas guide path of the power supply device, which shuts off current flow based on the temperature of discharged gas, and using current fuses to monitor voltage and detect gas discharge, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If temperature sensor and gas detection sensor are provided in the exhaust path to detect gas discharge, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the current fuse serve dual functions: its original function of protecting against overcurrent in voltage detection lines, and a new function of detecting gas discharge through thermal response. By positioning the current fuse in the gas guide path, it responds to temperature changes from discharged gas, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and gas detection sensors while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the gas discharge detection function with the existing current fuse structure. Instead of adding separate detection mechanisms, the current fuse is strategically positioned to serve both its electrical protection role and thermal detection role, merging multiple functions into a single component to reduce device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If temperature sensor and gas detection sensor are provided in the exhaust path to detect gas discharge, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The current fuse is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical circuit protection and gas discharge detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and install separate temperature sensors and gas detection sensors, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to reliably detect gas discharge events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The current fuse utilizes its own thermal response characteristics to detect gas discharge. Instead of requiring external sensing components, the system uses the inherent thermal properties of the current fuse itself as the detection mechanism, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution allows for reliable detection of gas discharge at high temperature and high pressure, reducing costs and enhancing safety by integrating the detection functionality within the existing voltage detection system.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the plurality of current fuses is disposed in the gas guide path, and is composed of a thermal fuse that shuts off current flow depending on temperature of the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal response: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3817085B1Power supply device and vehicle equipped with same
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SANYO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3817085B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817085B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3817085B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The power supply device including: a plurality of secondary battery cells (1) each including a gas discharge valve for discharging internal gas; a plurality of voltage detection lines (VL) for detecting voltage of the corresponding plurality of secondary battery cells (1); a plurality of current fuses (70) provided in the respective plurality of voltage detection lines (VL) to shut off current flow when currents flowing through the respective voltage detection lines exceed a predetermined value; and gas guide path (60) communicating with the gas discharge valve to discharge gas discharged from the gas discharge valve to the outside. At least one of the plurality of current fuses (70) is disposed in gas guide path (60), and is composed of thermal fuse (71) that shuts off current flow depending on temperature of the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve.