Pressure-Triggered Battery Ejection for Thermal Runaway Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the event of a battery malfunction such as cell thermal runaway, batteries may produce hazardous gases and/or large amounts of heat, posing risks that existing technologies struggle to effectively detect and manage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-based battery ejection system that utilizes a pressure vessel, a battery submodule, and a seal configured to release when the pressure exceeds a threshold, automatically disconnecting the battery from its electrical connection and ejecting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery malfunction detection system is implemented, then battery safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system performs self-diagnosis through voltage monitoring of individual cells. The control unit automatically detects malfunctions by comparing cell voltages and triggers ejection without requiring external manual inspection or complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The malfunctioning battery is automatically ejected from the aircraft battery assembly through a dedicated ejection mechanism. This extracts the harmful element (malfunctioning battery) from the system, preventing it from affecting other batteries while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Speed
If automatic battery ejection is implemented, then response speed to malfunction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism uses a simple mechanical release system activated by an electrical signal. When a malfunction is detected, the control unit triggers a release mechanism that allows gravity and spring force to eject the battery, replacing complex automated mechanical arms or robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery ejection system is pre-configured with release mechanisms and positioning structures before flight. Upon malfunction detection, the system only needs to trigger the pre-prepared ejection path, enabling rapid response without complex real-time computation or adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If pressure-based detection is used, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure changes within the battery enclosure as an indirect indicator of malfunction. A simple pressure sensor or diaphragm detects gas buildup or thermal expansion, providing reliable malfunction detection without requiring complex direct temperature or chemical sensing systems.
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 system provides a reliable, safe, and lightweight method for automatically detecting and ejecting malfunctioning batteries, thereby preventing potential hazards and maintaining aircraft safety.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is configured to release in the event a pressure level inside the pressure vessel exceeds a threshold pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
A battery ejection system is disclosed. The battery ejection system comprises a pressure vessel, a battery submodule positioned at least partway in the pressure vessel and configured to release gas into the pressure vessel, and a seal of the pressure vessel configured to release in the event a pressure level in the pressure vessel exceeds a threshold pressure level. The battery submodule is configured to be ejected from an electrical connection in the event the seal is released.