Optical Communication in Battery Modules via Swelling Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wire-based communication in battery systems is prone to electromagnetic interference, increases complexity and costs, and requires additional shielding and space, limiting the efficiency and reliability of communication between control units.

Innovation Solution

A battery system utilizing a free-space optical communication system where optical signals propagate through swelling compensation channels, eliminating the need for additional construction space and reducing complexity and costs by integrating communication within existing structural features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire-based communication is used between control units in the battery system, then communication can be established, but electromagnetic interference increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wire-based electrical communication with light-based optical communication. Optical signals transmit data through light paths instead of electrical wires, eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining communication functionality between control units in the battery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium for communication between control units. Instead of direct electrical connections that are susceptible to interference, light-based signals serve as a clean intermediary that carries information without electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wire-based communication with shielding is implemented, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidshielding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for complex electromagnetic shielding structures by substituting electrical wire-based communication with optical communication. This replacement inherently avoids electromagnetic interference without requiring additional shielding layers, brackets, or complex routing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the shielding requirement from the communication system design. By using optical instead of electrical communication, the harmful electromagnetic field is eliminated at the source, making shielding unnecessary and simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If wire-based communication is used, then communication connection is established, but additional space for wiring and shielding is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes physical wire-based communication infrastructure with light-based communication. This eliminates the need for wire harnesses, connectors, and shielding structures, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the communication system within the battery pack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the communication system to utilize existing structural spaces within the battery assembly for light transmission paths. The optical communication infrastructure can share space with other battery components, achieving multi-functionality without requiring dedicated communication wiring channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 optical communication system provides reliable and efficient data transmission between battery system monitors and modules without additional space requirements, reducing electromagnetic interference and lowering manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

A battery system utilizing a free-space optical communication system where optical signals propagate through swelling compensation channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3890095A1Battery system with light-based communication

Publication Date: 2021.10.06 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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Figure 5~6(B)

AI summary

The present invention refers to battery system (100) with a plurality of battery modules (50), each comprising a plurality of stacked battery cells (10) and a battery module monitor, BMM (30), for monitoring the cells (10); a battery system monitor, BSM (60), configured for communicating with and controlling the BMM (30) of each battery module (50); a housing (80) enclosing the plurality of battery modules (50) and the BSM (60), wherein the battery modules (10) are arranged in the housing (80) such that at least one swelling compensation channel (90) is formed between the battery modules (50) and/or between the battery modules (50) and the housing (80); and an optical communication system, OCS (31, 32, 61, 62, 71, 72), configured to connect the BSM (60) with the BMM (30) of each battery module (50) via optical signals (40) propagating inside at least one swelling compensation channel (90).