General Atomics has been granted a patent for a battery system designed to prevent cascading failures during thermal runaway events. The system features diffuser plates to redirect hot gases and molten materials, thereby protecting neighboring cells and mitigating risks to personnel and property. GlobalData’s report on General Atomics gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on General Atomics, Welding robots was a key innovation area identified from patents. General Atomics's grant share as of June 2024 was 59%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Battery system with thermal runaway prevention features
The patent US12044748B2 outlines a method for preventing battery failure in systems utilizing lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The method involves arranging multiple lithium-ion cells in parallel, with each cell featuring a vent at its first end. The design includes electrical coupling of the cells to first and second buses at their respective ends, and the integration of a diffuser plate at the first end to manage gas venting. This diffuser plate is equipped with channels and diverters to direct vented gases away from adjacent cells, thereby enhancing safety. Additionally, a heat sink layer is positioned between the second bus and a third bus to manage thermal conditions, and the system may incorporate various materials, such as glass epoxy composites and phase change materials, to improve performance and reliability.
Further enhancements to the system include the use of a foam cell support to maintain spacing between cells, and the option to interpose fuses for added protection. The design also allows for the inclusion of overflow chambers in the diffuser plate to accommodate potential debris and swelling from the cells. Notably, the patent specifies that the diverters are strategically arranged to prevent direct gas flow towards neighboring cells, thereby minimizing the risk of cascading failures. The claims also detail the materials used for the buses and the construction of the diffuser plates, emphasizing the innovative approach to battery safety and efficiency in lithium-ion technologies.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
