Thermal Management Film With Integrated Sensing and Local Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal management systems for electrical devices, such as battery modules, require multiple temperature sensors and separate thermal management components, which are costly and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management film with integrated temperature sensing and regulating arrangements, comprising a substrate with temperature sensing elements and resistive or thermoelectric heating elements, allowing for simultaneous temperature detection and regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are placed at different locations in the battery module to obtain comprehensive temperature information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature information accuracyVSAvoidnumber of temperature sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature sensing functions into a single thermal management film that can be applied to the battery module surface. The film integrates multiple sensing elements and regulatory components that work together to provide comprehensive temperature monitoring across multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate discrete sensors at each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal management film serves multiple functions: it acts as both the temperature sensing arrangement and the temperature regulating arrangement. The film can detect temperature at multiple locations and simultaneously provide thermal regulation, making a single component perform what previously required multiple separate systems.

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

2Reliability

If separate thermal management components are installed to regulate temperature based on sensor detection, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature regulation effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of thermal management components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing arrangement and temperature regulating arrangement into a single integrated thermal management film. The sensing elements and regulatory elements (such as phase change materials or thermally conductive components) are combined in one film structure, eliminating the need for separate sensors and separate thermal management devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal management film contains nested functional layers where sensing elements are embedded within or alongside the regulatory materials. The film structure itself is applied to the battery module surface, with regulatory elements positioned to directly respond to temperature variations detected by the integrated sensing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple temperature sensors and thermal management components are deployed, then temperature monitoring and regulation coverage is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring coverageVSAvoidspace occupied by thermal management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the thermal management functionality from bulky discrete components and consolidates it into a thin film structure. The thermal management film can be applied directly to the battery module surface, providing comprehensive temperature monitoring and regulation coverage without occupying additional internal space within the battery module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 film enables efficient and cost-effective temperature regulation across the surface of electrical devices, reducing the need for multiple sensors and components, and improving the accuracy and precision of temperature management.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensing arrangement arranged on the substrate and configured to detect a temperature associated parameter at one or more areas on the thermal management film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature dependent material property:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature regulating arrangement arranged on the substrate and configured to regulate the temperature distribution across the thermal management film by selectively generating heat at one or more areas of the thermal management film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

by selectively generating (a) cooling flux(es) at one or more areas of the thermal management film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4563957A1A thermal management film for detecting and/or for regulating a temperature of an electrical device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4563957A1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP4563957A1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1d
  • EP4563957A1 patent drawingFigure 2a'~2b'

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a thermal management film (200) for detecting and/or for regulating a temperature of an electrical device comprising at least one surface. Thermal management film (200) is arranged to be abutted against the surface of the electrical device. The thermal management film (200) comprises: - a substrate (201), - a temperature sensing arrangement (210) arranged on the substrate (201) and configured to detect a temperature associated parameter at one or more areas on the film (200), and - a temperature regulating arrangement (220) arranged on the substrate (201) and configured to regulate the temperature distribution across the film (200) by selectively generating heat at one or more areas of said film (200) and/or by selectively generating (a) cooling flux(es) at one or more areas of said film (200).