Flexible Circuit Board Temperature Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard temperature measurement methods for energy storage systems in vehicles require high production effort and additional costs due to the need for direct sensor placement on energy storage cells, which limits measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a temperature sensor on a flexible printed circuit board's contact surface with high thermal conductivity, allowing for direct heat absorption from the energy storage cell, combined with a thermally conductive contact point for accurate temperature detection, while a separate contact surface measures voltage or current with minimal thermal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard temperature sensor probes are used directly on energy storage cells, then measurement accuracy is improved, but production effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor with the flexible printed circuit board that is already integrated into the energy storage system. The sensor is mounted on the circuit board which contacts the connecting element, merging the measurement function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate sensor probes and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing production effort and costs while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct thermal contact.
2Measurement precision
If additional contact points are added for temperature measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, establishes electrical connections, and carries the temperature sensor. By making the circuit board multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated contact points for temperature measurement. The same contact interface used for electrical connection also serves as the thermal path for temperature sensing, thereby reducing overall device complexity and potential failure points.
3Ease of operation
If the temperature sensor is placed far from the energy storage cell, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within the existing structure of the flexible printed circuit board assembly that is already positioned at the interface with the energy storage cell. The sensor leverages the thermal conductivity of the circuit board and connecting element to reach the measurement location without requiring separate installation space or complex positioning mechanisms. This nested approach maintains measurement accuracy through proximity while preserving ease of installation by utilizing the existing integrated structure.
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
This approach enhances measurement accuracy, reduces manufacturing effort and costs, and minimizes contact-related failures by integrating the sensor closely with the energy storage cell, allowing for efficient temperature and voltage/current measurement without additional contact points.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact surface absorbs the heat from the energy storage cell
Implementation Method 2
this temperature sensor being in contact with the first contact surface via a thermally conductive contact point and detecting the temperature on the first contact surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy storage system having at least one energy storage cell and a connection element for producing an electrical connection to the energy storage cell. The invention further relates to a device for measuring the temperature and voltage on an electrical/electronic component. Energy storage systems of the type in question find application in particular in vehicles having electrical or hybrid drives, as a source of current for the electrical drive of the vehicle or for operating electrical vehicle components. The energy storage system according to the invention has a flexible circuit board for monitoring the energy storage cell, wherein said flexible circuit board is contacted or connected to the connection element via a first contact surface. According to the invention, said first contact surface is a part of the conductor path of the flexible circuit board and is designed so that said contact surface receives the heat from the energy storage cell. The flexible circuit board has a temperature sensor on said first contact surface, wherein said temperature sensor is contacted to the first contact surface via a heat-conducting contact point and detects the temperature on the first contact surface.