Quick-Coupling Connector Hood With Air-Gap Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The thermal regulation circuits of electric vehicle battery packs face challenges in maintaining integrity and preventing thermal runaway and fires due to extreme temperatures, which can propagate quickly through the sealed enclosure.

Innovation Solution

A thermal protection device for quick-coupling connectors in the battery pack's thermal regulation circuit, featuring a cover with a U-shaped wall and a clipping member that creates a mechanical and thermal insulation gap, slowing down heat propagation and providing a mechanical connection to secure the tubular elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover is mounted directly on the connector and tubular element, then the mechanical connection is secure, but heat propagation occurs rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection securityVSAvoidheat propagation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary air gap between the cover and the tubular element/connector. This air gap acts as a thermal mediator that slows heat propagation while allowing the cover to remain mechanically connected to the tubular element through the clipping member, thus resolving the contradiction between secure mechanical connection and heat protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the tubular element from direct contact with the cover by creating a spacing air gap. This separation removes the harmful thermal interaction while maintaining the functional connection through the clipping member, effectively taking out the heat propagation pathway while preserving mechanical security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If the wall of the cover is placed close to the tubular element, then the structural integrity is strong, but thermal insulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The air gap serves as a thermal intermediary that provides insulation between the cover wall and the tubular element. The clipping member maintains structural integrity by securing the tubular element to the cover, while the air gap prevents direct thermal conduction, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If the clipping member is positioned close to the cover wall, then the mechanical clipping connection is strong, but heat transfer to the tubular element increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclipping connection strengthVSAvoidheat transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air gap acts as a thermal intermediary between the clipping member and the tubular element. The clipping member maintains strong mechanical connection by engaging with the tubular element, while the air gap prevents direct thermal conduction from the cover to the tubular element through the clipping member, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and heat transfer prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively insulates the thermal regulation circuit, slowing down heat propagation and preventing rapid damage from extreme temperatures, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway and fires within the battery pack.

Implementation Method 1

the distance separating the wall of the cover and the connector and/or the tubular element is non-zero in order to create a spacing air gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4357658A1Thermal protection device for quick-coupling connectors
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 AKWEL SA
  • EP4357658A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4357658A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4357658A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The thermal protection device (30), in particular of a thermal regulation circuit of a battery pack for a motor vehicle, includes a hood (30) comprising a wall (32) provided, along a longitudinal axis, with a rear portion (P1) adapted to be mounted on the connector (100) so as to surround it at least partially and with a front portion (P2) adapted to be mounted on the tubular element (20) and to hold it by a mechanical connection.