Battery Housing Pressure Equalization With Emergency Oxygen Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure equalization devices for battery housings do not adequately prevent the ingress of oxygen during emergency venting, which can lead to the onset or spread of fires within the housing.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalization device with a base body and closure element that transitions into an emergency operating state after an emergency venting event, where the closure element gas-tightly seals the base body, preventing the entry of oxygen and other substances, utilizing a membrane that is selectively permeable in normal conditions and destroyed during emergency venting to facilitate quick gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing is hermetically sealed to prevent oxygen ingress, then fire safety is improved, but pressure equalization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization device transitions from an open state during normal operation to a closed state after emergency venting. The closure element is movable and can be positioned in different locations: initially allowing gas exchange, then moving to seal the housing after an emergency event, thereby adapting the system's permeability based on operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to automatically close the housing after an emergency venting event before oxygen can ingress and potentially cause fire. The closure element moves to the closed position as a preliminary protective action, preventing harmful effects before they can occur
2Speed
If the membrane is destroyed during emergency venting to enable quick gas release, then pressure relief speed is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization device is divided into separate functional components: a membrane for selective permeability during normal operation, a closure element for sealing, and an emergency venting spike for membrane destruction. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function while the system as a whole achieves both rapid emergency relief and subsequent sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a disposable membrane that can be destroyed during emergency venting to create a large opening for rapid gas release. The closure element then provides the permanent sealing function, effectively replacing the membrane's sealing role after destruction
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow path remains open to allow gas exchange, then pressure equalization is improved, but fire risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its flow characteristics based on operational state. During normal operation, the flow path is open allowing gas exchange for pressure equalization. After an emergency venting event, the closure element moves to close the flow path, eliminating the fire risk associated with an open flow path while maintaining pressure equalization capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary between the open flow path and the sealed housing. It can be positioned to allow gas exchange when pressure equalization is needed, or move to close the path when fire prevention is the priority, mediating between these two opposing requirements
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
Ensures operational safety by preventing oxygen ingress and potential fires within the battery housing after an emergency venting process, effectively sealing the housing to prevent re-ignition or fire spread.
Implementation Method 1
a flow opening positioned in the flow path in the base body is spanned by a membrane
Implementation Method 2
the closure element gas-tightly closes the base body
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure equalization device for a housing has a base body and a closure element with a flow path between them being open in a normal operating state of the pressure equalization device. A flow opening in the flow path is spanned by a membrane. An emergency venting spike projects from the closure element toward the membrane. The pressure equalization device transitions after emergency venting into an emergency operating state in which the closure element gas-tightly closes the base body. A housing with such a pressure equalization device is provided. In a method for pressure equalization with such a pressure equalization device between a housing interior and an environment, gas exchange between interior and environment is performed through the membrane and the flow path between closure element and base body. During emergency venting, the membrane is destroyed by the emergency venting spike. The closure element then closes the base body.