Reversible Battery Venting Device with Magnetic Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack venting devices are non-reversible, leading to disposal when internal pressure rises, making it difficult to determine the cause of pressure increase and requiring replacement, which limits repeated use and accurate assessment of battery pack issues.
Innovation Solution
A reversible venting device with a cylinder block, piston, magnet, sensors, and electromagnetic coil that discharges excess gas and re-seals the battery pack, allowing for pressure equalization and detection of venting issues, enabling continued use or prompt action based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a burst disc or gore vent is applied to vent the battery pack, then the internal pressure can be lowered to atmospheric pressure, but the device cannot be reused and must be replaced after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The venting device uses a movable piston that can dynamically transition between blocking and opening states based on pressure conditions. The piston moves upward when pressure exceeds the magnetic holding force, opening the vent path, and returns downward when pressure equalizes, closing the vent path. This dynamic mechanism enables repeated use of the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical burst disc or gore vent with a system combining magnetic force and electromagnetic force. The magnet provides continuous holding force to keep the piston in the blocking position, while an electromagnetic coil can actively drive the piston to open or close the vent path. This substitution enables controlled, reversible operation.
2Productivity
If a disposable venting element is used, then the internal pressure can be quickly reduced, but it becomes impossible to determine whether the pressure rise was due to battery cell venting or other causes
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect pressure conditions and piston position, providing feedback to a control system. The control system monitors whether the piston opens automatically in response to pressure increases, which indicates battery cell venting. This feedback mechanism enables determination of the pressure rise cause while maintaining rapid pressure equalization.
3Reliability
If a magnet is used to restrict piston movement, then the battery pack can be kept sealed after pressure equalization, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet provides passive, continuous holding force to keep the piston in the blocking position without requiring active control or additional components. The magnetic force automatically maintains the sealed state after pressure equalization, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms or control 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
Enables quick gas discharge and re-sealing of the battery pack, allowing users to determine the cause of pressure increases and take appropriate action, ensuring safe and efficient operation by preventing damage and facilitating repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet installed in the cylinder block and configured to restrict upward movement of the piston by a magnetic force so that the communication between the venting gas flow path and the inner space of the battery pack is blocked
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic coil configured to surround a part of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A venting device is provided at one side of a battery pack to discharge a venting gas generated in an inner space of the battery pack to the outside. The venting device includes a cylinder block configured to communicate with the inside of the battery pack and a venting gas flow path for discharging the venting gas to the outside, a piston assembly configured to move upward along an extension direction of the cylinder block by receiving a force caused by the increase of the internal pressure of the battery pack so that the inner space of the battery pack communicates with the venting gas flow path and a magnet unit installed in the cylinder block and configured to restrict upward movement of the piston assembly by a magnetic force so that the communication between the venting gas flow path and the inner space of the battery pack is blocked.