Touch Panel Water Detection for Battery Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries in large-sized products, such as electric vehicles, face safety risks due to potential water leakage or infiltration from cooling systems, which can lead to internal shorts and explosions, necessitating a reliable detection method to prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A water detection apparatus and method that includes touch panels to detect water contact positions, with notifications generated to limit battery output and ensure safety, utilizing optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic detection methods to identify water leakage or infiltration and inform users of the risk level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number and capacity of battery cells are increased to improve output and lifetime, then the performance of the secondary battery is improved, but the explosive power increases when the battery is exposed to danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing water detection sensors before water leakage can cause harm. The sensors detect water presence in advance, triggering warnings and protective measures before the battery can be damaged or explode, thus preventing the harmful effect while maintaining high capacity
2Temperature
If a water cooling system is used to cool the secondary battery, then the battery performance is improved, but cooling water may leak due to cracks or damage and cause internal short and explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using water detection sensors that continuously monitor for water presence and send signals to a control unit. When water leakage is detected, the system provides immediate feedback through warnings and protective measures, allowing real-time response to maintain safety while using water cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water detection sensors as intermediaries between the cooling water and the battery. The sensors detect water presence and trigger protective actions before water can directly contact and damage the battery, thus mediating the potential harmful interaction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a drain hole is formed to discharge introduced water, then water infiltration is prevented, but the drain hole may be clogged with frozen water or accumulated foreign matter and water may flow into the battery module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing water detection sensors above the drain hole to detect water accumulation before it can flow into the battery. This early detection allows the system to take protective measures before the drain hole becomes clogged or water infiltration occurs
4Measurement precision
If touch panels are installed to detect water contact position, then water leakage detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using touch panels that serve dual purposes: their original function for user interaction and an additional function for water leakage detection. This multi-functionality allows precise water contact position detection without adding separate dedicated detection devices, thus reducing overall system complexity
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 system effectively detects cooling water leakage or infiltration, preventing explosions and ensuring safety by determining the extent of risk and adjusting battery output accordingly, thereby enhancing the reliability of secondary battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a touch panel for detecting a contact position of water when the water makes contact with one surface of the touch panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting water includes at least one battery module for producing and supplying electricity to outside of the apparatus, a housing for accommodating the battery module, and a touch panel for detecting a contact position of water when the water makes contact with one surface of the touch panel, and the touch panel includes a first touch panel located in a first area where the battery module is formed.