Molded Waveguide Network for Battery Cell Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for electrical energy storage components face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively transmitting signals between energy storage cells and control units, due to high signal transmission effort and limited packaging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece waveguide designed as a transmission network with a collecting channel and connecting channels, which allows for bidirectional transfer of acoustic and/or optical signals between energy storage components and control units, reducing signal damping through a reflective coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable-based signal transmission is used between sensors/actuators and control units, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and packaging space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical cable-based signal transmission with an optical waveguide system. Light guides transmit optical signals between monitoring devices and control units, eliminating the need for complex electrical cable networks while maintaining reliable signal transmission. This substitution reduces device complexity and improves packaging efficiency.
2Reliability
If galvanic isolation is implemented between sensors and control units, then safety is improved, but signal transmission requires additional isolation components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as intermediary elements between monitoring devices and control units. These light guides provide galvanic isolation by transmitting signals optically rather than electrically, ensuring safety while eliminating the need for additional isolation components that would increase system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for signal transmission, then signal routing is flexible, but assembly effort and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate signal transmission components into a single integrated molded waveguide structure. This one-piece construction combines multiple light guide channels and connection points into one manufacturable component, significantly reducing assembly effort and manufacturing costs while maintaining the flexibility needed for signal routing between different monitoring devices and control units.
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 and cost-effective signal transmission between energy storage components and control units, improving monitoring capabilities while simplifying assembly and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide (6) which is designed to transmit acoustic and/or optical signals between devices (4) of the energy storage components (2)
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide (6) which is designed to transmit acoustic and/or optical signals between devices (4) of the energy storage components (2)
Implementation Method 3
To reduce attenuation of the acoustic and/or optical signal, the molded part has a coating made of a reflective material, at least in some areas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a monitoring device (5) for at least two energy storage device components (2) of an electric energy storage device (1), comprising a waveguide (6) which is designed to transmit acoustic and/or optical signals between devices (4) for monitoring the energy storage device components (2) and at least one controller (3) of the energy storage device (1) in order to monitor the energy storage device components (2) and which is designed in the form of a single-piece molded part (7). The molded part (7) forms a transmission network and has at least one collecting channel (8) for connecting to the at least one controller (3) and at least two connection channels (9) connected to the at least one collecting channel (8) for connecting to the devices (4) of the at least two energy storage device components (2), wherein the acoustic and/or optical signals can be transmitted within the molded part (7) in a bidirectional manner between the devices (4) of the energy storage device components (2) and the at least one controller via the at least one collecting channel (8) and the connection channels (9). The invention additionally relates to an electric energy storage device (1) and a motor vehicle.