Waveguide Housing Channels for Wireless Battery Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling and communicating with multi-cell battery packs require extensive and costly wiring for control and safety shutoffs, which adds weight and complexity, and traditional RF communication is not feasible due to metal battery housings and 3D stack assembly, with ultrasonic methods being too slow for high data aggregation rates.

Innovation Solution

The integration of waveguide channels within the housing of electronic circuits allows for wireless communication, enabling control commands to be sent and received without the need for separate control wires, forming a wireless communications network that supports communication between multiple housings, using a wireless communications module that operates within the frequency range of 50 to 500 GHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional RF communication is used, then wireless communication capability is provided, but it cannot be implemented due to metal battery housings and 3D stack assembly blocking the signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidsignal blocking by metal housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces waveguide channels as an intermediary structure within the metal housing to transmit electromagnetic signals. These channels act as conduits that guide the signals through the metal housing without being blocked, effectively mediating between the internal electronic circuits and the external communication environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional external RF communication to internal waveguide-based communication by creating three-dimensional channels within the housing structure. This dimensional approach allows signals to travel through the housing walls themselves rather than being blocked by them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ultrasonic data transmission is used, then wireless communication is achieved, but the data transmission speed is too slow for high data aggregation rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultrasonic (acoustic/mechanical wave) transmission with electromagnetic wave transmission through waveguides. This substitution enables significantly higher data transmission speeds while maintaining wireless communication capability, as electromagnetic waves operate at much higher frequencies than ultrasonic waves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If extensive wiring is used for control and safety shutoffs, then control functionality is provided, but wiring costs, weight, and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wiring with wireless electromagnetic communication through waveguide channels. Control signals and data are transmitted wirelessly between battery cells and control units, eliminating the need for extensive physical wiring while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide channels serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as part of the housing, act as electromagnetic signal transmission paths, and enable both power and data communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiring for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution reduces wiring costs and complexity by establishing a wireless network for controlling battery packs and other electronic circuits, enabling efficient communication and control without the need for extensive cabling, thereby simplifying installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

At least one channel is formed along at least one of the three planes to provide a waveguide in the housing for wireless communications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS10658868B2Waveguide housing channels for wireless communications

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a housing for an electronic circuit. The housing includes at least three planes that form a structure to house the electronic circuit. At least one channel is formed along at least one of the three planes to provide a waveguide in the housing for wireless communications. A wireless communications module communicates via the waveguide to control the electronic circuit enclosed in the housing.