Flexible Temperature Sensor Film for Spatial Cell Profile Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature sensor units for monitoring cell temperature in galvanic cells or cell stacks are complex, space-intensive, and typically only allow for temperature detection at a single position, making them difficult to arrange and inefficient for monitoring temperature profiles.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sensor unit with a substrate having adhesive agents for attachment, featuring multiple temperature sensor elements arranged at different positions on the substrate's surface, along with a multi-part leveling film for compact and space-saving design, enabling simultaneous or sequential detection of temperature values at multiple positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensor elements are arranged on a single substrate to measure spatial temperature profiles, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature profile measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple temperature sensor elements are integrated onto a single flexible substrate, combining multiple measurement functions into one unified sensor unit. This allows simultaneous temperature monitoring at multiple positions while simplifying the overall device structure compared to using separate sensor units for each measurement point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible substrate with multiple sensor elements serves as a universal measurement platform that can monitor temperature profiles across different positions and applications. The same sensor unit design can be adapted to various measuring bodies (battery cells, fuel cells, electronic components) by adjusting the sensor element positions and quantities.

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

2Strength

If a rigid sensor housing is used to protect sensor elements, then sensor element protection is improved, but ease of positioning on measuring bodies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor element protectionVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit employs a flexible substrate instead of a rigid housing to support the sensor elements. This flexible construction allows the sensor unit to conform to the surfaces of various measuring bodies (battery cells, fuel cells, electronic components) while still providing adequate protection and support for the sensor elements through the substrate material and adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If sensor elements are arranged at different positions to capture spatial temperature variations, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial temperature profile accuracyVSAvoidsensor element positioning and arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes in the flexible substrate properties and adhesive characteristics to enable precise positioning of sensor elements during assembly. By controlling substrate flexibility, adhesive bonding parameters, and sensor element placement conditions, accurate spatial arrangements can be achieved without requiring complex positioning fixtures or assembly equipment.

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

The sensor unit allows for easy, cost-effective, and space-efficient monitoring of temperature profiles across complex measuring bodies, reducing the risk of damage from overheating and improving efficiency by recording values in parallel at different positions.

Implementation Method 1

at least a sensor field, wherein the sensor field comprises at least two sensor elements, each adapted for detecting a temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

at least an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is arranged at least partially on the first surface and/or on the second surface, for attaching the sensor unit to at least one measuring body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3615903B1Sensor for measuring a spatial temperature profile and method for producing a sensor unit
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 YAGEO NEXENSOS GMBH
  • EP3615903B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3615903B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP3615903B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A sensor unit for detecting a spatial temperature profile, having: at least one substrate (3, 3'') with a first surface and a second surface situated at least regionally opposite the first surface, wherein the substrate (3, 3'') is configured at least regionally to be flexible; at least one adhesion means, wherein the adhesion means is arranged at least regionally on the first surface and/or on the second surface for attaching the sensor unit to at least one measurement body (15'''); and at least one sensor field, wherein the sensor field is arranged on the second surface of the substrate (3,3''). The present invention also relates to a method for producing a sensor unit.