Passive RFID Tags for Wireless Battery Cell Temperature Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for temperature measurement in battery modules are time-consuming and costly due to the manual connection of resistive negative temperature coefficient sensors with cables and connectors, and they lack energy efficiency and security against interception.

Innovation Solution

A battery module using passive RFID tags attached to each battery cell to measure temperature wirelessly, with a short predefined distance to a radio frequency receiver, eliminating the need for cables and connectors, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing security by limiting the operating range of the RFID tags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If passive RFID tags are used for wireless temperature measurement, then production time and costs are reduced, but energy consumption and security against interception must be addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables and connectors) with a wireless RFID-based temperature measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections, thereby reducing assembly time and production costs while enabling automated production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a predefined distance D as an intermediary parameter to limit the operating range of RFID tags. This distance constraint acts as a security mechanism that prevents unauthorized interception of temperature data while maintaining reliable communication within the battery module, thus addressing security concerns without compromising energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If NTC sensors are connected via cables and connectors, then temperature measurement is reliable, but the assembly process is time-consuming and cost-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables and connectors) with a wireless RFID-based temperature measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections, thereby reducing assembly time and production costs while enabling automated production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tags are self-contained units that autonomously measure temperature and transmit data wirelessly without requiring manual connection to external sensors. This self-service capability eliminates the need for assembly workers to manually connect cables and connectors, significantly improving assembly speed and reducing labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If RFID tags have extended operating range, then energy supply is improved, but security against signal interception deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interception risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a predefined distance D as an intermediary parameter to limit the operating range of RFID tags. This distance constraint acts as a security mechanism that prevents unauthorized interception of temperature data while maintaining reliable communication within the battery module, thus addressing security concerns without compromising energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces production costs and time, enhances energy efficiency, and improves security by eliminating the need for cables and connectors, while ensuring accurate temperature measurement and reducing the risk of signal interception.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the RFID tags is a passive RFID tag configured to harvest energy supplied by at least one of the radio frequency receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

configured to measure a temperature of the at least one battery cell it is attached to

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3614483B1Battery cell temperature measurement with RFID tags

Publication Date: 2023.07.26 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The present invention refers to battery module (100), wherein the RFID tags (20) are attached to at least one battery cell (10) and configured to measure a temperature of the at least one battery cell (10) they are attached to. The RFID tags (20) are passive RFID tags (20) configured to harvest energy supplied by at least one of the radio frequency receivers (30) and to wirelessly send temperature signals within an operating range being limited by a short predefined distance D. The temperature signals correspond to the temperature of the battery cell (10) measured by the RFID tag (20) being attached to the battery cell (10). The radio frequency receivers (30) are configured to wirelessly supply energy to the RFID tags (20) and to receive a temperature signal sent by at least one of the RFID tags (20). A printed circuit board (40) is positioned close to the battery cells (10), such that any one of the RFID tags (20) is located within a short predefined distance D to at least one of the radio frequency receivers (30). The invention further relates to method of operating the afore-described battery module (100).