CDOT Device Interdigitated Electrodes Wireless Charging Thermal Runaway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless charging can cause thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries due to excess heat generated by the magnetic field from induction coils, leading to potential damage and reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

A Charge/Discharge Over Temperature (CDOT) device with interdigitated electrodes and a variable resistance material is connected in series with the wireless charging coil, providing temperature detection and overcurrent protection to mitigate thermal runaway by adjusting resistance in response to temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless charging is used to charge the battery, then charging convenience is improved, but excess heat is generated causing thermal runaway risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidexcess heat
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field shielding layer as an intermediary component between the wireless charging coil and the battery. This shielding layer selectively blocks excessive magnetic field energy from reaching the battery, thereby reducing heat generation during wireless charging while maintaining charging functionality. The shielding material acts as a mediator that filters harmful thermal energy while allowing necessary charging operations to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful thermal runaway risk into a beneficial safety mechanism by implementing temperature monitoring and controlled discharge systems. When excessive heat is detected, the system automatically reduces charging power or terminates charging, transforming the potential hazard into a protective feature that prevents battery damage while maintaining safe charging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If rapid charging is performed to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but thermal runaway risk increases due to excess heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidthermal runaway risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic charging control that adjusts charging parameters in real-time based on battery temperature and charge state. The system transitions between different charging modes (rapid charging, standard charging, or termination) depending on thermal conditions, allowing maximum charging speed when safe and automatically reducing speed when temperature thresholds are approached, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates temperature sensing and feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor battery thermal state during charging. When temperature exceeds safe thresholds, the system provides feedback to reduce or terminate charging current, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains rapid charging within safe thermal boundaries by dynamically adjusting power delivery based on real-time thermal feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If overcharging is performed to maximize battery capacity utilization, then energy storage is improved, but battery damage occurs reducing battery life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storageVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective measures including voltage and charge-state monitoring systems that detect approaching overcharge conditions before they cause damage. The system proactively reduces or terminates charging current when safe thresholds are approached, preventing battery stress and extending battery life while maximizing safe energy storage utilization through predictive charge management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The CDOT device effectively prevents thermal runaway by limiting current and voltage during charging, ensuring safe operation and extending battery life without affecting the magnetic field or charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The variable resistance material changes its resistance in response to a change in temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable resistance material response to temperature: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

a type of induction charging known as the Qi wireless standard allows the battery to be charged in the presence of a magnetic field. The charging device includes an induction coil and the mobile device include a second induction coil. Together, the coils create a magnetic field that sends electric current to charge the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The first fingers and the second fingers are disposed in an interdigitated, spaced-apart relationship with one another, resulting in a gap between them that is serpentine and tortuous

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction through interdigitated structure: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4184747A1CDOT device for wireless charging
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 LITTELFUSE INC
  • EP4184747A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4184747A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4184747A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A battery protection device includes a Charge/Discharge Over Temperature (CDOT) device and a wireless charging coil. The CDOT device consists of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance material. The first electrode is located on a substrate and has a first collection of fingers. The second electrode is located on the substrate and has a second collection of fingers. The first fingers and the second fingers are disposed in an interdigitated, spaced-apart relationship with one another, resulting in a gap between them that is serpentine and tortuous. The variable resistance material changes its resistance in response to a change in temperature.