Branched Flexible PCB Layout for Dual-Sided Battery Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery temperature measurement systems face complexity in arranging sensors to measure temperatures on both surfaces of a cell, especially in a cell stack configuration, making accurate placement and reduced connector usage challenging.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) configuration with a first and second FPC portion connected through a branch portion, allowing temperature measurement elements to be arranged on both surfaces of the cell, simplifying the structure and enhancing positional accuracy, while reducing the number of connectors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided at the tip end of an electric wire as in the related art, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but the structure for arranging the sensor inside the battery becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC is divided into multiple portions (first FPC portion and second FPC portion) that can be independently arranged on different surfaces of the cell. Each portion carries temperature measurement elements, allowing distributed sensing without complex wire routing. This segmentation enables simple arrangement while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC acts as an intermediary substrate that integrates both mechanical support and electrical connection functions. Instead of using separate wires with sensors at tips, the FPC provides a flexible platform that directly mounts temperature measurement elements close to the cell surfaces, simplifying the overall arrangement structure.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged to measure temperatures on both surfaces of a cell, then comprehensive temperature monitoring is achieved, but the number of connectors and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple FPC portions are merged into a single integrated FPC structure that can simultaneously contact both surfaces of the cell. This unified structure reduces the number of separate connectors needed compared to using independent wire assemblies for each measurement point, while maintaining the ability to measure temperatures on both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for temperature measurement elements, establishes electrical connections, and enables thermal contact with both cell surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall connector quantity and structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If temperature measurement elements are arranged close to the cell surfaces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the arrangement structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC utilizes a flexible thin film structure that can conform to the cell surfaces and position temperature measurement elements in close proximity. This flexibility allows accurate placement without requiring complex rigid mounting structures, as the FPC can be simply arranged to contact the cell surfaces directly.
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 simplifies the arrangement of temperature measurement elements, allows for accurate temperature measurement on both surfaces of a cell, and reduces the number of connectors required, even in a cell stack setup, thereby lowering costs and improving design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measurement element that measures the temperature of the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes a cell and a flexible printed circuit board to which a temperature measurement element that measures the temperature of the cell is connected. The flexible printed circuit board includes a first flexible printed circuit board portion to which a connector is connected, and a second flexible printed circuit board portion provided through a branch portion branched from the first flexible printed circuit board portion. The first flexible printed circuit board portion is provided with a first temperature measurement element arranged on one surface side of the cell to measure the temperature of one surface of the cell. The second flexible printed circuit board portion is provided with a second temperature measurement element arranged on an other surface side of the cell to measure the temperature of an other surface of the cell.