Fluid Expansion Probe Contact for Prismatic Battery Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging and discharging probes face challenges in efficiently contacting electrodes of prismatic batteries when they are positioned on both sides, often requiring additional pressurization apparatuses that occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
An expansion member for the probe is introduced, which includes a fluid accommodation part and a fluid supply pipe, allowing the probe to expand and contact the battery electrode without separate pressurization, with adjustable pressure through fluid introduction and a support unit to maintain contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional pressurization means is added to bring the probe into contact with the battery on the side, then the contact reliability is improved, but the space occupied by the probe is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid-filled expansion member that uses pneumatic pressure to expand and make contact with the battery electrode. Instead of adding external pressurization mechanisms, the system introduces fluid into the expansion member, which then self-expands to apply contact force, eliminating the need for separate pressurization apparatus while maintaining reliable contact
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion member is designed to self-expand when fluid is introduced, using the fluid pressure itself to generate the contact force needed. The system serves itself by converting the introduced fluid directly into mechanical expansion force, without requiring external actuators or pressurization devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is disposed on the side of the battery, then the adaptability to different electrode positions is improved, but the device complexity is increased due to the need for pressurization means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressurization systems with a simple fluid-filled expansion member. The fluid introduction mechanism is significantly simpler than traditional pressurization apparatus, reducing device complexity while enabling side-mounted probe configuration that adapts to different electrode positions
3Productivity
If multiple probes are arranged to charge and discharge batteries simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the space occupation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The compact fluid-filled expansion members allow probes to be arranged in closer proximity without requiring large pressurization mechanisms. This enables multiple probes to operate simultaneously in a smaller total space, improving charging productivity while reducing the overall footprint of the charging system
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 efficient charging and discharging of batteries with electrodes on both sides without additional pressurization, improving space utilization and allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple batteries by adjusting the fluid volume for precise contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid accommodation part configured to form a space in which a fluid is introduced and stored
Implementation Method 2
configured to expand when a fluid is introduced therein so that an electrode part comes into contact with an electrode of the prismatic battery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed is an expansion member for a probe for battery charging and discharging. The expansion member includes a first fluid accommodation part configured to form a space in which a fluid is introduced and stored and a fluid supply pipe equipped with a path along which the fluid is introduced and discharged and connected to the first fluid accommodation part. The first fluid accommodation part includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover and the second cover are bonded together to form a first fluid accommodation space in which the fluid is accommodated. The first fluid accommodation space is surrounded by a first junction region in which the first cover and the second cover are bonded together. A penetration hole is formed on the top of the first junction region.