Dual-Valve Pressure Compensation for Battery Housing Emergency Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure compensation elements for battery housings in vehicles are complex in design, requiring significant manufacturing, assembly, and testing efforts, and fail to provide reliable pressure equalization and emergency venting.

Innovation Solution

A pressure compensation element with two valve elements subjected to different pressure loads, allowing for reliable pressure equalization and emergency venting, featuring a simple structural design and compact installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex pressure compensation elements are used to provide both pressure equalization and emergency venting, then reliability of pressure compensation and emergency venting is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of pressure compensation and emergency ventingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure compensation element is divided into two separate valve elements: a first valve element for pressure equalization and a second valve element for emergency venting. Each valve element is independently designed and can be independently adjusted, allowing simplified design and manufacturing of each individual component while achieving both functions reliably when combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains both valve elements, provides adjustment mechanisms for both valves, and incorporates a tensile force mechanism that simultaneously secures the lid and enables emergency release. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two valve elements are used to enable both ventilation and venting functions, then functional reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second valve elements are arranged coaxially within the housing, with the first valve element positioned closer to the inlet and the second valve element positioned closer to the outlet. This nested arrangement allows both valve elements to occupy the same radial space, significantly reducing the overall installation footprint while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve elements are arranged in the axial dimension rather than radially, allowing both valves to be stacked along the flow path. This dimensional arrangement enables compact installation without compromising the functional reliability of either valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If compression springs are used to generate pressure forces for valve adjustment, then precise pressure control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure force adjustment precisionVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Compression springs are used to generate adjustable pressure forces on the valve elements. The spring constants and pre-compression forces can be precisely selected during manufacturing to achieve the desired valve opening pressures. This allows precise control of the pressure differential required for ventilation and venting functions without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables reliable pressure equalization, ventilation, and emergency venting with a compact design, ensuring efficient relief of excessive pressure and preventing battery explosion.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure compensation element has a cover (13) which, in the initial position of the pressure compensation element, rests sealed on the base body (4) of the carrier (1).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The compression spring for the venting piston (33) is adjusted so that it is smaller than the pressure force acting on the piston surface (60).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The compression spring for the venting piston (39) is adjusted so that, at a given internal pressure, the pressure force acting on the double piston (58) is greater than the force of the compression spring (39).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

The seal can be provided on the cover and/or the carrier. In the installed position, the seal is sufficiently elastically deformed by the tensile force of the compression spring, thus ensuring a perfect seal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4592570A1Pressure compensation element for containers, preferably for battery housings of vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 KACO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4592570A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4592570A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4592570A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pressure equalization element is intended for containers, preferably for battery housings of vehicles. It comprises a housing (1, 13) with at least one inlet (26) and at least one outlet (17) for a gaseous medium, preferably air. It further comprises a valve element (34) located in the flow path of the gaseous medium from the inlet (26) to the outlet (17). In order for the pressure equalization element to enable reliable pressure equalization and reliable emergency venting in the event of danger with a simple structural design, a second valve element (37) is provided in the flow path of the gaseous medium from the inlet (26) to the outlet (17). Both valve elements (34, 37) are subjected to pressure loads with different forces relative to one another, the pressure forces being such that at least one valve element can be adjusted to a venting position and at least the other valve element to a venting position.