Magnetic Probe Inspection of Vent Gas Manifold Channel Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for effectively inspecting and removing obstructions within vent gas manifold channels in electric vehicle battery packs, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the battery system.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically-coupled inspection tool comprising a probe and a magnetically-coupled head, coupled with sensors to detect obstructions, is used to navigate and remove obstructions within the channels, utilizing magnetic forces to drag the probe and employing tools like buckets or blades to cut and scoop out obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used for vent gas manifold channels, then the inspection process is simple, but the ability to detect and remove obstructions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods with a magnetically-coupled inspection system. The magnetic coupling between the external actuator and the internal probe enables remote operation, eliminating the need for direct mechanical access to the channels while providing reliable obstruction detection and removal capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external operator and the internal probe. This magnetic coupling mechanism allows force and motion transmission through the channel walls without physical contact, enabling inspection and cleaning operations in confined spaces while maintaining system reliability
2Ease of operation
If a physical inspection tool is inserted into the channel, then obstructions can be detected and removed, but the tool cannot be easily manipulated inside the narrow channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual manipulation of the probe with magnetic actuation. The external magnetic actuator applies forces to the magnetically-coupled probe through the channel walls, enabling precise control of probe movement and orientation without requiring physical access or manual handling inside the narrow channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the manipulation function from the probe itself and relocates it to an external magnetic actuator. This separation allows the probe to remain simple and compact for insertion into narrow channels while the complex manipulation capabilities reside outside the channel system
3Reliability
If the channel is inspected frequently for safety, then battery pack safety is improved, but the inspection and cleaning process takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous inspection and cleaning operations by allowing the magnetically-coupled probe to move freely through the channel system under magnetic actuation. The seamless magnetic coupling maintains continuous force transmission throughout the operation, eliminating interruptions and reducing total inspection and cleaning time while maintaining safety standards
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 solution enables efficient detection and removal of obstructions within vent gas manifold channels, enhancing the safety and performance of electric vehicle battery packs by maintaining channel integrity and preventing potential hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the head and the magnetically-coupled probe are magnetically-coupled together to make a magnetically-coupled probe/head pair that have a magnetic strength sufficiently strong to drag the probe inside the channel when the head is moved outside of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes inspection tools and methods to inspect and maintain the interior of vent gas manifold channels. A magnetically-coupled probe, (e.g., a ball, cylinder, rectangular cube, or disc), is inserted inside the vent gas manifold channel. A magnetically-coupled head then magnetically drags the magnetically-coupled probe through the channels of the vent gas manifold. The inspection tool uses a sensor to monitor the position of the magnetically-coupled probe inside of the channel. If an obstruction is encountered, the sensor monitors local changes in one of more physical or electrical properties of the inspection tool and alerts an operator. The magnetically-coupled probe may be a steel bucket with sharp leading edges that detaches and scoops up the obstruction. A programmed robot manipulator arm or human operator may move the head across the surface of the vent gas manifold parallel to the channel.