Optical Fiber Sensor for Simultaneous State of Charge and Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical devices lack efficient sensors that can simultaneously measure state of charge and temperature, leading to inaccurate power management and potential safety issues in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber sensor with a semiconductor material at one end and a grating along its midsection is used to provide simultaneous measurements of state of charge and temperature, connected to a controller that derives these parameters for accurate power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used to measure state of charge and temperature, then each parameter can be measured individually, but the device complexity increases and simultaneous measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines state of charge sensing and temperature sensing into a single optical fiber sensor. The optical fiber contains both a semiconductor material section for state of charge measurement and a grating structure for temperature measurement, allowing both parameters to be measured simultaneously through one integrated sensor rather than requiring separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both state of charge and temperature using a single device. The semiconductor material responds to electrochemical potential for state of charge detection while the grating structure responds to thermal expansion for temperature detection, making the sensor universal for monitoring both critical battery parameters.
2Reliability
If a single sensor measures both state of charge and temperature, then power management accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor is divided into distinct functional sections: a semiconductor material section for state of charge measurement and a grating section for temperature measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using established techniques, then integrated into the complete sensor, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but hysteresis-related inaccuracies occur in power management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical or mechanical sensing mechanisms with an optical-based sensing system. The optical fiber uses optical properties (semiconductor material optical response for state of charge, grating diffraction for temperature) rather than electrical contacts or mechanical components, eliminating hysteresis effects associated with traditional sensors and providing more accurate, stable measurements.
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 enables precise and simultaneous measurement of state of charge and temperature, improving power management, safety, and extending the life of electrochemical devices in vehicles by avoiding hysteresis-related inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
a first end (20) comprising a semiconductor material (30)
Implementation Method 2
a longitudinal midsection (24) comprising a grating (32)
Data Source
AI summary
A number of variations may include a product comprising: at least one sensor comprising an optical fiber comprising a first end comprising a semiconductor material, a second end, and a longitudinal midsection comprising a grating, wherein the sensor is constructed and arranged to provide measurements that derive both state of charge and temperature of an electrochemical device simultaneously.