Thin Film Sensor Battery Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell assemblies lack direct and efficient methods for determining operational parameter values, such as temperature, and controlling these parameters within the battery cell, leading to potential performance and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell assembly featuring a thin film profile sensor directly coupled to the housing, equipped with a microprocessor and sensing circuit, which determines operational parameter values like temperature and controls a heat generating circuit to adjust the battery cell's temperature level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thin film profile sensor is attached to an exterior surface of a battery cell, then operational parameter values can be determined, but the sensor may not be directly coupled to the housing for optimal temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thin film profile sensor directly with the battery cell housing, integrating the sensing functionality into the housing structure itself. This direct integration eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms and ensures optimal thermal contact for accurate temperature monitoring while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective layer as an intermediary between the thin film profile sensor and the external environment. This protective layer shields the sensor while allowing thermal conduction, enabling accurate temperature measurement without exposing the sensor to harmful factors such as moisture or mechanical damage.
2Reliability
If a protective layer is added over the thin film profile sensor, then the sensor is protected from harmful factors, but the sensor cannot be directly accessed for manufacturing or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied to the thin film profile sensor during the manufacturing process before the sensor is installed in the battery cell assembly. This preliminary protection ensures the sensor is shielded from harmful factors from the outset, while the entire assembly can still be manufactured using standard processes without requiring subsequent disassembly or complex access mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the sensing circuit is coupled directly to the housing, then operational parameters can be monitored efficiently, but the circuit may be exposed to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is merged with the thin film profile sensor and integrated into the housing structure. This integration allows the circuit to be coupled directly to the housing for efficient monitoring while being protected by the same protective layer that shields the sensor, thus achieving both monitoring efficiency and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer serves as an intermediary that allows thermal and electrical signals to pass through while blocking harmful factors such as moisture, chemicals, and physical damage. This enables the sensing circuit to be coupled directly to the housing for efficient monitoring without exposing the circuit to harmful environmental factors.
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
Enables direct and efficient determination and control of operational parameters, enhancing battery cell performance and safety by accurately monitoring and managing temperature levels.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing circuit is coupled directly to the housing... The sensing circuit is configured to generate a signal that is indicative of an operational parameter value of the battery cell
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery cell assembly having a battery cell and a thin profile sensor is provided. The assembly includes a battery cell having a housing and first and second electrical terminals extending from the housing. The assembly further includes a thin profile sensor having a microprocessor and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is coupled directly to the housing. The sensing circuit generates a signal that is indicative of an operational parameter value of the battery cell. The microprocessor is programmed to determine the operational parameter value based on the signal from the sensing circuit. The assembly further includes a protective layer coupled to the thin profile sensor such that the sensor is disposed between the protective layer and the housing.