Fiber Optic Surface Profiling for Early Battery Swelling Warning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery monitoring systems using temperature and pressure sensors are expensive, difficult to configure, and provide warnings only when dangerous battery conditions are irreversible, lacking early detection capabilities for deformations indicative of potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing unmodified optical fibers patterned on a surface to detect deformations by analyzing back and forward scatter patterns, determining deformation location and magnitude through time differences in scatter pattern changes, and generating a three-dimensional model of the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature and pressure sensors are used for battery monitoring, then dangerous conditions can be detected, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to configure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature and pressure sensors with an optical fiber-based detection system. The optical fiber profiler uses light scattering patterns to detect surface deformations caused by battery swelling or pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex electrical sensor configurations while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the battery surface condition through light scattering patterns. By analyzing how light scatters off the battery surface, the system indirectly measures physical changes without requiring direct contact sensors, simplifying the monitoring system while preserving detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If traditional sensors are used, then battery conditions are monitored, but warnings are provided only when damage is irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of battery issues by monitoring surface deformations before they progress to irreversible damage. The optical fiber system detects subtle changes in the battery surface geometry that precede catastrophic failure, allowing early intervention and preventing loss of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to battery monitoring by measuring surface geometry and deformation rather than relying solely on temperature and pressure. This geometric dimension provides early warning signals that complement traditional sensors, enabling detection of issues before they reach critical thresholds.
3Measurement precision
If modified optical fibers are used for deformation detection, then surface changes can be detected, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard, off-the-shelf optical fibers rather than custom-modified fibers. The system achieves precise deformation detection by analyzing light scattering patterns from conventional optical fibers, eliminating the need for expensive, complex fiber manufacturing processes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the optical fiber to serve itself by utilizing its natural light scattering properties without requiring external modification. The fiber's inherent interaction with light provides sufficient information for deformation detection, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps or specialized fiber types.
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 precise, cost-effective detection of surface deformations, providing early warnings of dangerous battery conditions by using off-the-shelf optical fibers, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing back and forward scatter patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus, method, and computer program product for detecting a change (e.g., deformation) in a surface using optical fibers are provided. The example apparatus may include an optical fiber having a first end and a second end, wherein the optical fiber is positioned in a two-dimensional pattern on a surface. An illumination source is positioned at a first end of the optical fiber and is configured to emit a light output into the first end of the optical fiber. A first optical receiver is also positioned at the first end of the optical fiber, configured to receive reflected light. The apparatus may include a second optical receiver configured to receive transmitted light at the second end of the optical fiber. A change in the surface is detected based at least in part on the reflected light and the transmitted light.