Vehicle Energy Storage Assembly With Pressure-Based Collision Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems in motor vehicles, such as traction batteries, often suffer undetected damage during collisions, leading to potential catastrophic consequences due to the lack of effective collision detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A collision detection system comprising a flexible printing element filled with gas or liquid, arranged around or inside the energy storage device, coupled with a pressure sensor to record pressure fluctuations caused by collisions, and a control device to initiate protective measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collision detection system with flexible pressure element and pressure sensor is added to the energy storage device, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is divided into multiple chambers, with flexible pressure elements and pressure sensors installed in specific chambers to detect collisions. This segmentation allows targeted collision detection without requiring the entire system to be complex, focusing monitoring resources where they are most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible pressure element is introduced as an intermediary between the external collision force and the pressure sensor. This mediator converts mechanical collision impact into pressure changes within sealed chambers, which the pressure sensor can then detect electrically, bridging the gap between mechanical impact and electrical detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors and flexible pressure elements are installed on the energy storage device, then collision detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different chambers are equipped with pressure sensors based on their specific collision risk and detection needs. Not all chambers require sensors - only those where collision detection provides the most value. This local quality approach optimizes detection precision while avoiding unnecessary sensors in low-risk areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple pressure sensors in critical chambers to provide redundant and comprehensive collision detection. Rather than using a single sensor that might miss certain collision types, multiple sensors ensure that at least one will detect any given collision event, providing excessive detection capability for safety-critical applications.
3Measurement precision
If the flexible pressure element is made fully flexible to better detect local collisions, then collision detection sensitivity is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pressure element uses a flexible membrane or diaphragm that can deform under collision impact to transmit force to the pressure sensor. This flexible shell structure provides the necessary sensitivity to detect local collisions while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through proper material selection and thickness design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pressure element is constructed using composite materials that combine flexibility for collision detection with sufficient strength for structural support. By layering different materials with complementary properties, the element achieves both the sensitivity needed for detection and the strength required for safety.
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 detection of local collisions, reducing follow-up costs and ensuring safety by prompting protective measures for the energy storage device, vehicle, occupants, and environment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor connected to the flexible pressure element, with which collision-induced pressure fluctuations in the flexible pressure element are or can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy storage assembly (100) for a motor vehicle, at least comprising: - an energy storage device (110) for storing fuel or electrical energy; - a flexible pressure element (140), which is filled with gas or liquid and is disposed on the outside of the energy storage device (110) or on the inside of a covering component for the energy storage device (110); and - a pressure sensor (151, 152), which is connected to the flexible pressure element (140) and by means of which collision-induced pressure fluctuations in the flexible pressure element (140) can be sensed.