Cell Connector Integrating Thermal Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell connectors for electrically connecting cells in series or parallel arrangements suffer from reduced packing density due to geometric constraints, leading to symmetry loss and temperature control inefficiencies, which can result in thermal runaway if temperature deviations occur.
Innovation Solution
The design of cell connectors that accommodate a medium for temperature control, allowing for efficient heat transport and insulation, while maintaining electrical and mechanical connections independent of cell orientation, using components with simple geometric shapes and low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cells are electrically connected in series or parallel arrangements using conventional cell connectors, then electrical connection is achieved, but packing density is reduced due to geometric constraints and symmetry loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric cell connector designs that do not require symmetric geometric arrangements of cells. The connector can accommodate cells in various orientations (series, parallel, or mixed configurations) without requiring the cells to be arranged in perfectly symmetric patterns, thereby maintaining higher packing density while achieving the desired electrical connection topology.
2Reliability
If conventional cell connectors are used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but temperature control efficiency deteriorates leading to thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal management intermediary system integrated into the cell connector. This intermediary includes thermal conductive materials and fluid channels that act as a mediator between the cells and the cooling system, enabling efficient heat transfer from the cells to the coolant without requiring direct contact between cells and cooling infrastructure, thereby preventing thermal runaway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in thermal conductivity by incorporating materials with high thermal conductivity in the connector design. The connector structure includes thermally conductive components that change the thermal parameters of the connection path, enabling efficient heat dissipation and maintaining temperature within safe operating ranges.
3Reliability
If cell connectors accommodate medium for temperature control, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and thermal management function into a single integrated cell connector component. The connector simultaneously provides electrical connectivity between cells and houses the thermal management medium channels, eliminating the need for separate cooling infrastructure and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding thermal control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell connector is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both electrical connection and thermal management tasks. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving effective temperature control.
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 temperature-controlled electrical connections with reduced thermal resistance and manufacturing complexity, enhancing cell packing density and safety by maintaining temperature within specified ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The cell connector (14, 26) is designed to accommodate a medium for temperature control of cells (1)
Implementation Method 2
a connecting insulator (29) and is designed to be arranged between a cap (6, 7) of a first cell (1) and a cap (6, 7) of a second cell (1)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cell connector (26) for electrically connecting together a first and a second cell (1) in parallel. The aim of the invention is to provide a simplified parallel circuit with cell connectors (26). This is achieved in that the cell connector (26) has a first and a second electric connection conductor (27, 28) and a connection insulator (29); the cell connector (26) is designed to be arranged between a cap (6) of a first cell (1) and a cap (7) of a second cell (1); the first connection conductor (27) and the second connection conductor (28) are each connected the connection insulator (29) such that the first connection conductor (27) and the second connection conductor (28) are electrically insulated from each other; the first connection conductor (27) has a first and a second plug (19, 20); the first plug (19) is designed to complement a socket (10) of the first cell (1), and the second plug (20) is designed to complement a socket (11) of the second cell (1); the first connection conductor (27) is designed to electrically connect together the socket (10) of the first cell (1) and the socket (11) of the second cell (1); the second connection conductor (28) is designed to electrically connect together the second cell conductor (9) of the first cell (1) and the second cell conductor (9) of the second cell (1); and the first connection conductor (27), together with the first and second plug (19, 20), is designed to receive a medium for controlling the temperature of cells (1).