Sensor System Detecting Temperature and External Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery management systems (BMS) for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles cannot detect both temperature and external force deformation of battery cells simultaneously using a single sensor device.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system comprising a sensor device with comb-shaped electrodes or surface electrodes, which includes a thermistor part made of conductive or semiconductor particles and an organic polymeric component, capable of detecting temperature and external force by measuring resistance value changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate temperature sensors and deformation sensors are used, then detection accuracy for each parameter is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines temperature sensor and deformation sensor into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor device includes a sensor element with electrodes and a thermistor part that can detect both temperature (through resistance changes) and external force/deformation (through dimensional changes affecting resistance), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy for both parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor element is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects temperature through resistance value changes and simultaneously detects external force/deformation through dimensional changes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor device detects both temperature and external force, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device segments the detection functions into distinct detection mechanisms within a single device: temperature detection through thermistor resistance changes and deformation detection through dimensional changes affecting resistance. This segmentation allows each parameter to be detected independently with appropriate precision while maintaining a unified sensor structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the thermistor part - resistance value changes in response to temperature and resistance value changes in response to dimensional changes. By monitoring resistance value changes and distinguishing between temperature-induced and deformation-induced changes, the device achieves accurate measurement of both parameters simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor system effectively detects both temperature and external force applied to battery cells, enabling more accurate monitoring and management of battery health, thereby enhancing the safety and longevity of battery packs.

Implementation Method 1

a thermistor part arranged between the two electrodes, formed of conductive or semiconductor particles and an organic polymeric component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

a deformation sensor which has conductive fillers dispersed in an elastomer and is made of an elastic member with its electrical resistivity changed by elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3978885B1Sensor system and article comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • EP3978885B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP3978885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3978885B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

To provide a single sensor device capable of detecting both of a temperature and an external force. A sensor device including: a base material; and a sensor element arranged on the base material, in which the sensor element includes two electrodes and a thermistor part arranged between the two electrodes and formed of conductive or semiconductor particles and an organic polymeric component and, based on a resistance value measured between the two electrodes, detects an external force applied to the sensor element and a temperature to which the sensor element is exposed.