RF Signal Directing Component for Battery Pack Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of wireless communication between battery cell module assemblies and the radio frequency manager in rechargeable energy storage systems is hindered by signal strength and loss issues, which are complex and vary with different vehicle powertrain layouts, necessitating improved signal directing components to enhance communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio frequency signal directing component, such as a directional antenna, reflector, or lens, in the module cover, interconnect board, or radio frequency manager, oriented to direct signals through low loss regions, utilizing substrates with high dielectric constants and low loss tangents to minimize packaging space and facilitate flexible design for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication is implemented in battery packs, then monitoring capability is improved, but signal loss increases due to electrically complex system and high loss regions
Solution Approach 1:
A radio frequency director is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna and the battery cells. This director redirects RF signals away from high loss regions (battery cells and interconnect boards) toward low loss regions, thereby reducing signal loss while maintaining wireless communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent identifies different regions within the battery pack having different RF loss characteristics. By directing signals specifically through low loss regions rather than uniformly across the entire system, the solution optimizes signal transmission quality based on local regional properties
2Reliability
If signal directing component is integrated in printed circuit board, then signal direction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal directing function is extracted from the printed circuit board and implemented as a separate radio frequency director component. This extraction simplifies the PCB design while maintaining the necessary signal direction control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The radio frequency director is designed as a standalone component that can be integrated into different battery pack configurations and applications. This universal component approach allows the same director design to serve multiple functions and applications, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If directional antenna is used instead of omnidirectional antenna, then signal strength in specific direction is improved, but adaptability to different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable or reconfigurable signal directing capabilities that can adapt to different battery pack layouts and vehicle configurations. The radio frequency director can be positioned or oriented to optimize signal transmission for specific applications while maintaining the benefits of directional signal focusing
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
This approach enhances signal strength and reliability of wireless communication by directing radio frequency signals through low loss regions, reducing assembly complexity and enabling the same printed circuit board design to be used across various vehicle configurations without modification.
Implementation Method 1
A signal directing component is operable for transmitting and/or receiving a radio frequency signal between the cell monitoring unit(s) of the battery cell module assembl(ies) and the radio frequency manager and is configured to direct the radio frequency signal to the relatively low loss region
Implementation Method 2
the signal directing component is integrated in a substrate of a high dielectric loss material with low loss tangent to reduce packaging space requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable energy storage system and a method of manufacturing includes a battery pack having a battery cell module assembly with an interconnect board disposed between and physically connecting the battery cells with the cell monitoring unit, and a module cover at least partially enclosing the battery cells, the cell monitoring unit, and the interconnect board. The battery pack has relatively high and relatively low loss regions for radio frequency signal communication. A radio frequency manager is wirelessly connectable to the cell monitoring unit by radio frequency signal communication. A signal directing component is operable for transmitting and/or receiving a radio frequency signal between the cell monitoring unit and the radio frequency manager, is configured to direct the radio frequency signal to the relatively low loss region, and is integrated in one of the module cover, the interconnect board, or the radio frequency manager.