Multifunctional Cell Connection for Bridging and Charge Equalization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing series-connected energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion battery cells, require multiple connecting cables for bridging devices, measuring devices, and charge equalization, leading to increased costs and reduced reliability due to numerous connections, which are prone to failure under vibration and other stresses.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional connection system that integrates a bridging element, a trigger circuit, and a charge equalization device into a single connection point, allowing for safe and reliable operation with reduced connections by using a bridging element with a reactive layer that triggers via a specific current flow, independent of the charge equalization and voltage measurement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple connecting cables are used for bridging devices, measuring devices, and charge equalization, then complete functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and system reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bridging device, measuring device for cell voltage, and charge equalization device into a single integrated arrangement that connects to the energy storage cell through one common connection point. This merging of multiple functional devices into one unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate connecting cables, thereby reducing connection points and improving system reliability while maintaining all required functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arrangement creates a universal connection point that simultaneously serves multiple functions: it enables bridging of defective cells, allows voltage measurement, and provides charge equalization capability. This multi-functional design means that a single connection infrastructure supports all necessary operations, reducing the overall complexity of the wiring system while ensuring complete functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple connecting cables are used for bridging devices, measuring devices, and charge equalization, then complete functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bridging device, measuring device for cell voltage, and charge equalization device into a single integrated arrangement that connects to the energy storage cell through one common connection point. This merging of multiple functional devices into one unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate connecting cables, thereby reducing connection points and improving system reliability while maintaining all required functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arrangement creates a universal connection point that simultaneously serves multiple functions: it enables bridging of defective cells, allows voltage measurement, and provides charge equalization capability. This multi-functional design means that a single connection infrastructure supports all necessary operations, reducing the overall complexity of the wiring system while ensuring complete functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces the number of connections, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and enhancing system reliability while maintaining functionality, particularly in mobile applications.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive reactive layer in which an exothermic reaction can be triggered via the electrical connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP3459132B1Arrangement having a multifunctional connection for energy storage cells or energy consumers

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

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Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional connection for energy storage cells or energy consumers, comprising at least one device for charge equalization (113) and/or a measuring device (112) for measuring an electrical voltage of energy storage cells or energy consumers; an electrical bridging element (105) having an electrical connection (109), via which the electrical bridging element (105) can be activated for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors (103, 104) that are electrically insulated from one another, and via which the bridging element (105) is connected to the two electrical conductors in an electrically conductive manner; and a trigger circuit (114) for activating the bridging element (105). One of the two electrical conductors (103) is connected or is connectable to a first pole (101) in an electrically conductive manner, and the other electrical conductor (104) is connected or connectable in an electrically conductive manner to a second pole (102) of the energy storage cell (100) or of the energy consumer. The device for charge equalization (113) and/or the measuring device (112) is connected to the electrical connection (109) of the bridging element (105). Said electrical connection (109) can thus be used simultaneously for triggering the bridging element (105) and for the charge measurement and/or the charge equalization.