Power Storage Module Thermistor Mounting for Accurate Cell Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power storage module configurations, such as those described in WO 2019/073857, have complex sensor unit configurations that lead to decreased precision in temperature detection due to heat conduction through the biasing member and the thermistor element.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module with a simplified configuration that includes a stack of power storage cells, a resin plate, a flexible printed circuit board, a thermistor element, a resin cover member, and an elastic body. The elastic body is used to press the thermistor element toward a power storage cell, minimizing heat conduction and maintaining precision in temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing member is used to press the thermistor element toward the power storage cell, then the thermistor element can maintain contact with the power storage cell, but heat conduction through the biasing member and thermistor element decreases temperature detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing member from the sensor unit configuration. Instead of using a separate biasing member to press the thermistor element, the thermistor element is directly mounted on the conductive path member which is attached to the power storage cell, eliminating the heat conduction path through the biasing member while maintaining contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mount as an intermediary component that directly connects the thermistor element to the conductive path member. This mount provides a stable mounting structure that maintains contact between the thermistor element and the power storage cell without introducing additional heat conduction paths, as the mount is designed to minimize thermal interference.
2Reliability
If a complex sensor unit configuration with multiple components (conductive path member, sensor element, mount, biasing member, protector) is used, then the sensor unit can provide comprehensive protection and mounting, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mount and biasing member functions into a single mount structure. The mount simultaneously provides mechanical support for the thermistor element and maintains the pressing force against the power storage cell, reducing the number of components from five to three (conductive path member, sensor element, and mount) while maintaining comprehensive protection and mounting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: mechanical mounting of the thermistor element, biasing/pressing the thermistor element against the power storage cell, and providing structural support. This universal component replaces the separate mount and biasing member, simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining reliability.
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 simplified configuration effectively suppresses the decrease in precision of temperature detection by the thermistor element, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring while maintaining a straightforward module design.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic body is located between the cover member and the thermistor element to press the thermistor element toward the power storage cell
Implementation Method 2
When detecting the temperature of the power storage cell by pressing a thermistor element toward the power storage cell by the biasing member, precision in temperature detection may be decreased due to heat conduction through the biasing member and the thermistor element
Data Source
AI summary
In a stack, a plurality of power storage cells are stacked. A resin plate is placed on the stack. A flexible printed circuit board is placed on the resin plate and has an electric circuit electrically connected to the plurality of power storage cells. A thermistor element is provided on the electric circuit and is in contact with one power storage cell of the plurality of power storage cells to detect a temperature of the power storage cell. A cover member is provided on the resin plate to cover the flexible printed circuit board. An elastic body is located between the cover member and the thermistor element to press the thermistor element toward the power storage cell. The cover member includes a protuberance that protrudes toward the resin plate side. The elastic body is disposed on the protuberance.