Sealed Pouch Battery Circuit Fluid Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery cells are negatively affected by exposure to fluids, leading to shortened operational lifespan and degradation, and existing configurations that protect the battery cell from external fluids often compromise design flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A battery circuit with a battery cell and monitoring circuitry enclosed in a sealed pouch, where the monitoring circuitry is positioned inside the pouch to prevent fluid ingress, and an electrical connector on the external surface electrically connects to the battery cell and monitoring circuitry through the pouch, allowing for reduced length and increased design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery cell is enclosed in a sealed pouch to prevent fluid ingress, then the reliability and operational lifespan of the battery cell is improved, but the design flexibility and ease of integration into devices is worsened due to the rigid structure and external connector requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery cell protection from fluidVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring circuitry is merged with the battery cell by enclosing both within the same sealed pouch. This integration eliminates the need for external monitoring components while maintaining protection, thereby improving design flexibility without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring circuitry is nested inside the sealed pouch that already contains the battery cell. This nested configuration allows the monitoring function to be embedded within the protective structure, reducing overall complexity and improving adaptability to different device form factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the monitoring circuitry is placed outside the pouch for easy access and connection, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the protection from external fluids is worsened as the circuitry remains exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidexposure to external fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring circuitry is combined with the battery cell within the same sealed pouch environment. This merging ensures that both components receive equivalent protection from external fluids while maintaining a streamlined manufacturing process that does not require separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed pouch acts as an intermediary barrier that protects both the battery cell and monitoring circuitry from external fluids. This mediator structure allows the monitoring circuitry to function effectively while being shielded from harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If electrical connectors extend through the pouch to enable external connection, then the ease of operation and electrical connectivity is improved, but the sealed protection is worsened due to potential ingress points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidsealed protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is extracted from the internal pouch environment and positioned externally. This extraction eliminates the need for the connector to penetrate the sealed pouch, thereby maintaining the integrity of the fluid barrier while still enabling electrical connectivity through the pouch walls or seams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch seam or wall acts as an intermediary structure that allows electrical connection without compromising the sealed protection. The connector interfaces with the pouch from the external side, maintaining the seal while enabling operational connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 protects the monitoring circuitry and battery cell from fluids, enhances design flexibility, and improves volumetric efficiency by embedding the monitoring circuitry within the pouch, while maintaining accurate parameter monitoring and protection functions.

Implementation Method 1

a pouch enclosing the battery cell and the monitoring circuitry in a sealed, internal cavity, the pouch being configured to inhibit ingress of external fluid to the sealed, internal cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment through sealed enclosure: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10355317B2Battery circuit in sealed pouch

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A battery circuit includes a battery cell, monitoring circuitry configured to determine one or more parameters of the battery cell, a pouch enclosing the battery cell and the monitoring circuitry in a sealed, internal cavity, the pouch being configured to inhibit ingress of external fluid to the sealed, internal cavity, and an electrical connector exterior the pouch and electrically connected to the battery cell and the monitoring circuitry via one or more paths extending through the pouch and into the internal cavity.