Surface-Penetrating Radar for Battery Internal Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle batteries face challenges in detecting adverse conditions such as swelling, mechanical damage, and chemical anomalies that can affect performance and lead to failure, as these issues are not easily visible through simple visual inspection, especially in electric vehicles with larger and more expensive batteries.
Innovation Solution
A surface-penetrating radar (SPR) system integrated with a radar antenna array and a processor that transmits and receives SPR signals to analyze the battery conditions by comparing current and pedigree SPR images, detecting changes in dielectric properties, electrolyte distribution, and other physical or chemical anomalies, and alerting users to potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to detect battery conditions, then the method is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot detect internal issues such as swelling, mechanical damage, and chemical anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (optical/mechanical method) with surface-penetrating radar (electromagnetic method). The SPR system transmits electromagnetic signals through the battery housing to detect internal conditions, substituting the limited optical inspection with a more capable electromagnetic detection system that can penetrate materials and reveal internal structural and chemical states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to detect battery conditions. Instead of directly observing the battery externally or disassembling it, the SPR system uses electromagnetic signals that penetrate the battery housing and interact with internal components, providing indirect but accurate information about internal states without physical contact or disassembly.
2Reliability
If SPR system is implemented to detect battery conditions internally, then detection precision is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the SPR system for both its primary purpose (ground penetration imaging) and a secondary purpose (battery health monitoring). The same radar hardware and signal processing infrastructure are utilized to serve dual functions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated battery monitoring equipment and lowering overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The SPR system performs self-service by using its own transmitted electromagnetic signals to monitor battery conditions. The same antenna array and signal processing chain used for ground imaging automatically capture reflections from the battery, eliminating the need for separate sensors or monitoring subsystems. The system monitors itself and the battery simultaneously through the same detection pathway.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If early detection of battery issues is achieved through SPR, then battery longevity is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by conducting SPR scans at intervals rather than continuously. The system can be configured to scan the battery at predetermined time intervals, mileage milestones, or when triggered by specific conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still achieving early detection of degradation trends over the battery's operational lifecycle.
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 SPR system effectively monitors battery health by identifying early signs of failure, preventing premature battery degradation and failure, and providing location-specific alerts for maintenance, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of vehicle batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a radar antenna array including at least one antenna configured to transmit and receive surface-penetrating radar (SPR) signals
Implementation Method 2
controlling the antenna to emit radar signals and receive reflection signals
Implementation Method 3
detecting changes in dielectric properties, electrolyte distribution, and other physical or chemical anomalies
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring vehicle battery health having a radar antenna array, a SPR system and a battery system. The radar antenna array transmitting and receiving SPR signals. The SPR system driving the antennas to emit radar signals and receive reflection signals, and analyzing the received reflection signals. At least a portion of the battery system being disposed within a cavity of the SPR system. The SPR system detecting a condition of the battery system based on analysis of the received reflection signals.