Manifold Test Assembly for Single-Sensor Gas Path Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test toolings for battery cell suction inlets lack efficiency and accuracy in testing negative pressure performance, particularly due to direct sensor connections and high chip costs, necessitating a more economical and stable solution for multiplexing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A test assembly with interfaces, three-way valves, and a manifold connected to a sensor, allowing for time division multiplexing and using a single sensor to test multiple gas paths, with equal diameter valves and a large-diameter manifold to stabilize gas flow and reduce disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct sensor connection is used for testing each gas path, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gas path testing functions are merged into a single integrated test assembly with one sensor. The manifold combines multiple gas path inlets into a common chamber that connects to the sensor, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple suction inlets through one sensor connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The test assembly is designed as a universal testing device that can simultaneously test multiple gas paths through a single sensor interface. The manifold structure enables one sensor to serve multiple testing functions across different gas paths, reducing the need for multiple dedicated sensors.
2Productivity
If multiple sensors are used to test multiple gas paths simultaneously, then test efficiency is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test assembly merges multiple testing functions into a single device with one sensor, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while maintaining the ability to test multiple gas paths simultaneously through the manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor is made universal by using it to test multiple gas paths through the manifold. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple sensors, reducing production costs while maintaining test efficiency.
3Device complexity
If small-diameter manifold is used, then device complexity is reduced, but gas flow stability deteriorates due to convergence disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold diameter is specifically designed to be at least 5 times the diameter of the test valve to optimize gas flow characteristics. This parameter change ensures that gases from multiple paths converge smoothly without creating disturbances that would affect sensor readings, while the overall device complexity remains manageable.
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
Improves test efficiency and accuracy by enabling simultaneous testing of multiple gas paths with a single sensor, reducing sensor usage and production costs while maintaining stable gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
a first vent valve that lets in atmospheric air
Implementation Method 2
the manifold is connected to a test end of the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
This application provides a test assembly and a test tooling, including: interfaces, where one end of the interface is configured to connect a device under test, and the interfaces include a first interface and a second interface; a first three-way valve, where the first three-way valve includes a first cut-in valve, a first vent valve, and a first test valve, another end of the first interface is connected to the first cut-in valve, and the first vent valve lets in atmospheric air and is able to open and close; a second three-way valve, where the second three-way valve includes a second cut-in valve, a second vent valve, and a second test valve, another end of the second interface is connected to the second cut-in valve, and the second vent valve lets in atmospheric air and is able to open and close; a manifold, where the first test valve is connected to the manifold and the second test valve is connected to the manifold; and a sensor, where the manifold is connected to a test end of the sensor. With the manifold collecting gases, the foregoing solution well implements the technical effect of using one sensor to test the flows in gas paths of the device under test.