Shunt Resistor With Interlocking Busbars For Current Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shunt resistors used in battery packs for current detection are bulky and costly due to the need for multiple busbars, which hinders the efficiency and energy density of battery packs, and there is a need for improved accuracy in current detection.

Innovation Solution

A shunt resistor design featuring two busbars with interlocking teeth that adjust resistance by changing the area of contact, allowing for precise adjustment of resistance values using detachable resistor bars or blocks, enabling accurate current detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple busbars are used to improve measurement reliability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of busbars
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple busbar functions into a single integrated structure. The shunt resistor body integrates the resistive element and connection terminals, eliminating the need for separate busbars while maintaining measurement reliability through the interlocking connection mechanism between the shunt resistor and battery pack terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shunt resistor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a current sensing element, a connection terminal, and a structural component. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate busbars and measurement components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple busbars are used to improve measurement reliability, then measurement precision is improved, but the battery pack volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent detection accuracyVSAvoidbattery pack volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the busbar functions into the shunt resistor body, the patent eliminates additional components that would occupy space. The interlocking connection mechanism ensures reliable electrical contact without requiring extra busbars, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing battery pack volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the contact area between connection elements is increased to reduce contact resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement accuracyVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an interlocking connection mechanism where the connection elements can dynamically adjust their contact area. The interlocking structure allows for increased contact area through engagement of protrusions and recesses, reducing contact resistance while maintaining a relatively simple overall connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces the volume and cost of battery packs while enhancing the accuracy of current detection by allowing for fine adjustments in resistance values, improving the reliability of voltage and current measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the first connection element and the second connection element are configured to have an increase or decrease in an area of direct or indirect contact between the first connection element and the second connection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3674716B1Shunt resistor and apparatus for detecting current including the same
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3674716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3674716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an improved shunt resistor for enhancing accuracy of current detection in the process of detecting current flowing through the shunt resistor and an apparatus for detecting current including the same. The shunt resistor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes two busbars made of an electrically conductive material and spaced apart a predetermined distance, a first connection element made of an electrically conductive material and configured to be mounted in a first busbar provided on one side among the two busbars, and a second connection element made of an electrically conductive material and configured to be mounted in a second busbar provided on the other side among the two busbars, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are configured to have an increase or decrease in an area of direct or indirect contact between the first connection element and the second connection element.