Pressure Equalization Element with Non-Return Valves for Battery Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries in automotive applications face pressure equalization challenges due to moisture sensitivity and the need for large desiccant masses or frequent replacement, which can lead to mechanical stress and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalization element with a membrane connected in series with non-return valves, featuring valve plates with inlet and outlet chambers, a valve membrane with reinforced caps, and an O-ring for sealing, along with a desiccant container to manage moisture, ensuring reliable sealing and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a desiccant is used to prevent moisture ingress, then moisture protection is improved, but the device complexity and required desiccant mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization element is segmented into multiple functional components: a membrane for pressure equalization, non-return valves for directional flow control, and a desiccant container for moisture absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall desiccant mass required while maintaining reliable moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary between the housing interior and exterior, allowing pressure equalization while blocking direct moisture ingress. The non-return valves serve as intermediaries to control airflow direction, and the desiccant container acts as an intermediary moisture trap, collectively reducing the burden on any single component and optimizing the overall moisture protection system.
2Stress or pressure
If a membrane is used for pressure equalization, then pressure balance is improved, but moisture ingress occurs due to diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valves act as intermediary components between the membrane and the housing interior. They control the direction of airflow, allowing pressure equalization through the membrane while preventing moisture-laden air from directly contacting the housing interior. The desiccant container serves as a secondary intermediary to capture any moisture that passes through the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is positioned and configured to provide pressure equalization at specific locations, while the non-return valves and desiccant container are strategically placed to address moisture ingress locally. This localized approach allows each component to optimize its function without requiring the entire system to be over-engineered.
3Reliability
If non-return valves are added to prevent moisture ingress, then moisture protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valves are merged with the pressure equalization function of the membrane system. The valves are integrated into the housing structure and work in conjunction with the membrane to provide both pressure equalization and moisture protection. This merging reduces the need for separate, complex moisture protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valves are designed to automatically control airflow direction based on pressure differential, without requiring external control mechanisms. The valves open to allow pressure equalization when needed and close to prevent moisture ingress, providing self-regulating moisture protection that simplifies the overall system control.
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 solution effectively prevents moisture ingress, reducing mechanical stress and corrosion risks while minimizing desiccant quantity and simplifying production and assembly, ensuring reliable operation over the battery's service life.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane which is connected in series with at least two non-return valves arranged parallel and in opposition to each other... Since a certain proportion of water vapor is always present in the ambient air, this passes through the membrane and into the housing as a result of volume replacement and diffusion
Implementation Method 2
A valve membrane is present between the two valve plates and is secured by the valve plates, which valve membrane has at least two valve caps, that is to say preferably reinforced areas, preferably being reinforced in cylindrical form, of the valve membrane, which respectively seal the inlet openings of the at least one outlet chamber and of the at least one inlet chamber
Implementation Method 3
A pressure equalization element for a housing, which has a membrane... along with a desiccant container to manage moisture, ensuring reliable sealing and reduced component count
Implementation Method 4
A desiccant is generally used in order to prevent the aforementioned problems due to the presence of condensation water in the interior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure equalization element for a housing, such as a lithium-ion accumulator, includes a membrane and at least two parallel non-return valves. The membrane is connected in series to the non-return valves, which are positioned opposite each other. The non-return valves are formed by two valve plates and a valve membrane. The plates define at least one outlet chamber and at least one inlet chamber which each have a respective entry opening and exit opening. The membrane is positioned between the plates and includes at least two valve dampers, the entry openings of the inlet and outlet chambers sealed by a respective damper. Pressure equalization elements of this type can thus be cost-effectively and logically implemented via few components, while avoiding loose components. Such elements can be included in, for example, a housing, battery cell module, or motor vehicle.