Storage Module Absorbent Layer for Electrolyte Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory modules for motor vehicles face operational reliability issues due to uncontrolled electrolyte leakage leading to short circuits and potential chemical reactions, which can result in damage or failure of the module.

Innovation Solution

A memory module design featuring storage cells with valves on the cover side and an absorbent layer that is thinner at the valve area, ensuring direct contact and effective absorption of leaking electrolyte, thereby preventing short circuits and minimizing damage, with the absorbent layer being strategically positioned to overlap or be adjacent to the valves for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an absorbent layer is placed adjacent to the valve to absorb leaking electrolyte, then operational reliability is improved, but the thickness of the absorbent layer creates a conflict: making it thicker improves absorption capacity but hinders gas escape when the valve opens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidthickness variation of absorbent layer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent layer is designed with spatially varying thickness: thicker in areas away from the valve for maximum absorption capacity, and thinner directly at the valve area to allow unimpeded gas escape when the valve opens. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between absorption effectiveness and gas venting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If the absorbent layer is made thinner at the valve area to facilitate gas escape, then gas venting is improved, but the absorption capacity of the layer is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas escape speedVSAvoidabsorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent layer implements local quality variation with reduced thickness at the valve location to ensure rapid gas escape, while maintaining greater thickness in surrounding areas to provide sufficient absorption capacity for leaked electrolyte. This localized thickness modulation simultaneously satisfies both gas venting and absorption requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the absorbent layer is positioned directly against the cover adjacent to the valve, then electrolyte absorption is improved, but the risk of short circuits between adjacent cells increases if the layer is too thick

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolyte binding effectivenessVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent layer is positioned directly against the cover adjacent to the valve for effective electrolyte binding, with controlled thickness variation that is thinner at the valve area to reduce short circuit risk between adjacent cells while maintaining sufficient thickness in other areas for effective absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design significantly enhances operational reliability by preventing uncontrolled electrolyte spread and chemical reactions, ensuring the module's functionality even in case of leakage, with the absorbent layer effectively binding electrolyte and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent layer for absorbing and binding leaking electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the leaking electrolyte is absorbed and stored by the absorbent layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2545603B1Storage module for voltage supply, in particular for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.07.08 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2545603B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2545603B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage module (1) for voltage supply, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of storage cells (10, 11,..., 15), each having a first and a second connecting terminal of differing polarity and a valve (30, 31,..., 35), via which an internal pressure present in a storage cell (10, 11 15) can be reduced and electrolyte can escape from the storage cell (10, 11,..., 15). The storage cells are electrically interconnected via the connecting terminals to form the storage module (1). In order to receive and bind leaking electrolyte, an absorbent layer (50) is disposed adjacent to and/or in the region of the valve (30, 31,..., 35) of a respective storage cell (10, 11,..., 15).