Remote-Control Battery Module with Thermal Divider and Terminal Disable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, face challenges such as capacity loss in high temperatures, instability due to Joule heating, and physical vulnerability leading to potential leaks and short circuits, hindering their widespread adoption in off-grid applications.

Innovation Solution

A battery module with a polymeric case containing a monolithic, thermally-conductive reinforcing divider and shock dampening material, equipped with electromagnetic signaling and disable mechanisms, allows for remote monitoring and control, including visible indicators and remote disabling of terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium-ion batteries are used to power off-grid applications, then high energy density and portable power are achieved, but capacity loss accelerates in high temperature environments and Joule heating causes instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidbattery stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A thermal management system acts as an intermediary between the battery cells and the environment, using heat sinks, thermal conductive materials, and cooling channels to dissipate Joule heat and maintain operational temperature within safe ranges, preventing thermal runaway and capacity loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery management system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as discharge rates, charging currents, and temperature thresholds based on real-time sensor data, modifying operating conditions to prevent overheating and extend battery life in varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If pouch cell format is used for lithium-ion batteries, then flexibility and energy density are improved, but physical vulnerability increases leading to leaks and short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidphysical vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch cell structure is enhanced with composite materials including reinforced laminates, protective coatings, and shock-absorbing layers that maintain flexibility while providing mechanical strength and resistance to punctures, leaks, and short circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Shock-absorbing materials and protective structures are pre-installed around vulnerable components of the pouch cell to cushion against impacts and physical stress before damage can occur, preventing leaks and electrical shorts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If remote monitoring and control systems are added to battery modules, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system integrates multiple functions including monitoring, control, communication, and safety protection into a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive remote capabilities through multi-functional electronic control units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Physical inspection and manual control mechanisms are replaced with electronic sensors, wireless communication modules, and automated control systems that enable remote monitoring and operation without requiring physical presence or complex mechanical interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe and reliable operation of battery modules by preventing overheating and physical damage, facilitating remote monitoring and control, and ensuring user safety.

Implementation Method 1

a monolithic, thermally-conductive reinforcing divider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

some lithium-ion batteries tend to increase temperature during operation due to Joule heating within the batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

electronics received within the battery case and configured to enable electromagnetic signaling to and from the battery module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signaling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250279489A1Battery modules and systems for remote command and control of same

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 WATERS JOHN E

AI summary

Described are remote command-enabled battery modules and systems and methods incorporating them.