Optical Waveguide Secondary Battery Module for Short Circuit Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems for lithium ion cells face complexities in wiring connections, leading to potential short circuits and increased effort, as they require multiple components and precise alignment for voltage measurement, which complicates the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery module design that uses an optical waveguide on the outer surface of the battery pack to transmit measurement data optically, reducing the need for complex wiring and minimizing the risk of short circuits by using a common optical path for signals from multiple light-emitting units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical wiring is used to measure inter-terminal voltage of each cell, then voltage measurement can be performed, but wiring connection becomes complicated and risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring with optical fiber connections. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the positive and negative terminals of each cell, and optical fibers transmit light signals proportional to the inter-terminal voltage to a photodetector. This substitution eliminates direct electrical connections between cells and the measurement system, thereby preventing short circuits while maintaining voltage measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the battery cells and the measurement system. The optical fibers transmit information (voltage data) in the form of light signals without creating electrical pathways, thus acting as a safe mediator that enables measurement while isolating the cells from potential short circuit risks.
2Loss of information
If multiple optical fibers are used to transmit optical signals from each cell, then measurement data can be transmitted, but wiring procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical signal transmission paths into a single optical fiber. Multiple light-emitting diodes emit light signals that are coupled into one optical fiber, which then transmits all measurement data sequentially or simultaneously to a single photodetector. This consolidation reduces the number of optical fibers from multiple (one per cell) to a single fiber, greatly simplifying the wiring procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber serves multiple functions by transmitting measurement data from all battery cells through the same transmission medium. This multi-functional use of a single optical fiber eliminates the need for dedicated fibers for each cell, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to monitor all cells effectively.
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 design simplifies the charging process by eliminating the need for intricate wiring and reducing the risk of short circuits, while effectively transmitting cell characteristics and temperature data, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the light-emitting unit being configured to measure characteristics of the cell and generate an optical signal according to the characteristics
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide which is provided on an outer surface of the battery pack and into which an optical signal is introduced from the light-emitting unit of each of the cell units
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a secondary battery module capable of optically transmitting measurement data on characteristics of cells forming a battery pack and further reducing a complicated procedure of wiring. The secondary battery module of the present disclosure includes: a battery pack in which a plurality of cell units are connected, each of the cell units including a cell and a light-emitting unit, the cell including a stacked unit and an electrolyte, the light-emitting unit being configured to measure characteristics of the cell and generate an optical signal according to the characteristics; and an optical waveguide into which an optical signal is introduced from the light-emitting unit of each of the cell units, wherein the number of optical waveguides is less than the number of optical signals, and the optical waveguide provides a common optical path through which optical signals are propagated from the light-emitting units provided in the battery pack.