Optical Fiber Temperature Sensor With Force-Isolating Battery Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors, particularly those using electrical conductors, face challenges in accurately measuring temperature changes in battery cells of electric vehicles due to external force-induced deformations, which can lead to false readings and the risk of short circuits.
Innovation Solution
An optically operating temperature sensor is designed with optical fibers protected by a rigid, electrically insulating protective element that absorbs external forces, ensuring geometry changes are solely due to thermal expansion, using materials like ceramic, glass, or plastic with high thermal conductivity and matched thermal expansion coefficients to prevent mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical temperature sensors or metallic elements are used for temperature measurement, then temperature detection can be achieved, but the risk of short circuits increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates due to external force-induced deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical temperature sensors with an optically operating temperature sensor that uses optical fibers instead of electrical conductors. The sensor utilizes optical properties (light transmission through fibers) rather than electrical properties, eliminating the risk of short circuits while maintaining temperature measurement capability through the relationship between optical fiber geometry and temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid protective element as an intermediary between the optical fiber and the external environment. This protective element absorbs external forces and mechanical deformations, preventing them from reaching the optical fiber. The protective element acts as a buffer that isolates the sensitive optical fiber from harmful mechanical influences while allowing thermal energy to pass through for accurate temperature measurement.
2Reliability
If optical fibers are used for temperature measurement, then the risk of short circuits is eliminated, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to deformations caused by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid protective element serves as a mediator that selectively filters external influences. It blocks mechanical deformations from reaching the optical fiber while permitting thermal energy transfer. This selective protection ensures that only temperature-induced geometric changes occur in the optical fiber, maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving the electrical isolation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned around the optical fiber before external forces can cause damage. It pre-absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing them from propagating to the optical fiber. This proactive protection mechanism ensures the optical fiber remains undisturbed by external forces throughout operation.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid protective element is added to protect optical fibers from external forces, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element can be implemented as a thin-walled tubular structure or shell that provides rigid protection against external forces while maintaining flexibility for thermal conduction. This shell-like structure protects the optical fiber with minimal added complexity, allowing heat transfer while blocking mechanical deformations. The simple geometric form (tube or shell) keeps the design straightforward despite the added protective function.
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
This solution provides accurate and rapid temperature measurement in electrically conductive components without the risk of short circuits, effectively isolating optical fibers from external forces and ensuring precise temperature detection within a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fiber (11 to 13) for guiding light rays
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical elements (21, 22) that are axially spaced apart from one another in the at least one optical fiber (11 to 13) for influencing the light rays
Implementation Method 3
such deformations may also occur when the optical fibers change their lengths due to a change in temperature on the basis of their coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
An optically operating temperature sensor includes at least one optical fiber configured and disposed for guiding light rays and including a plurality of optical elements configured and disposed for influencing the light rays which can be introduced into the at least one optical fiber, wherein the optical elements and the at least one optical fiber between the optical elements form an assembly together with a protective element.