Patent Description:
Applicant has identified many technical challenges and difficulties associated with detecting and determining the cause of a thermal runaway event in a battery. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solved problems related to identifying the cause of thermal runaway events by developing solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below. Prior art documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose battery systems with thermal runaway units.

Various embodiments are directed to an example method, apparatus, and computer program product for determining the cause of a battery condition, such as a thermal runaway event, based on data observed by various sensors in and around a battery package.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example battery safety evaluation system is provided. In some embodiments, the battery safety evaluation system may comprise a battery comprising a battery housing defining an interior battery compartment. and an internal sensing element attached to the interior battery compartment. In some embodiments, the internal sensing element may be configured to capture internal data representative of an internal battery condition event. The battery safety evaluation system may further comprise an external sensing element attached to the battery housing, wherein the external sensing element is configured to capture external data representative of an external battery condition event. In addition, the battery safety evaluation system may comprise a controller communicatively connected to the internal sensing element and the external sensing element, wherein the controller determines a cause of a battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data captured by the internal sensing element and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data captured by the external sensing element and representative of the external battery condition event.

In some embodiments, the battery condition may be a thermal runaway event.

In some embodiments, the internal sensing element may comprise at least one of a pressure sensor and an aerosol sensor.

In some embodiments, the external sensing element may comprise at least a vibration sensor.

In some embodiments, the internal sensing element may comprise a pressure sensor and an aerosol sensor, and the external sensing element may comprise a vibration sensor.

In some embodiments, a vibration battery condition event may be captured at a vibration event time, an aerosol battery condition event may be captured at an aerosol event time, and a pressure battery condition event may be captured at a pressure event time. Further, in an instance in which the vibration event time is earlier than the aerosol event time, and the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, the battery safety evaluation system may determine the cause of the battery condition is an external condition. In addition, in an instance in which the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, and the pressure event time is earlier than the vibration event time, the battery safety evaluation system may determine the cause of the battery condition is an internal condition.

In some embodiments, at least one of the internal sensing element and the external sensing element may detect an occurrence of a battery condition event and communicate the occurrence of the battery condition event to the controller.

An example method for determining a cause of a battery condition is further provided. In some embodiments, the method may comprise receiving, from an internal sensing element attached to an interior battery compartment of a battery, internal data representative of an internal battery condition event. The method may further comprise receiving, from an external sensing element attached to a battery housing of the battery, external data representative of an external battery condition event. Further, the method may comprise determining the cause of the battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data captured by the internal sensing element and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data captured by the external sensing element and representative of the external battery condition event.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving vibration data representative of a vibration battery condition event, captured at a vibration event time, receiving aerosol data representative of an aerosol battery condition event, captured at an aerosol event time, and receiving pressure data representative of a pressure battery condition event, captured at a pressure event time. Further, determining the cause of the battery condition may comprise comparing the vibration event time, the aerosol event time, and the pressure event time. In an instance in which the vibration event time is earlier than the aerosol event time, and the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, the cause of the battery condition may be an external condition. In addition, in an instance in which the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, and the pressure event time is earlier than the vibration event time, the cause of the battery condition may be an internal condition.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more internal sensing elements and the one or more external sensing elements may detect an occurrence of a battery condition event and communicate the occurrence of the battery condition event to a controller.

An example computer program product for determining a cause of a battery condition is further provided. In some embodiments, the computer program product may comprise at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising an executable portion configured to receive, from an internal sensing element attached to an interior battery compartment of a battery, internal data representative of an internal battery condition event. In addition, the executable portion may be configured to receive, from an external sensing element attached to a battery housing of the battery, external data representative of an external battery condition event, and determine the cause of the battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data captured by the internal sensing element and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data captured by the external sensing element and representative of the external battery condition event.

In some embodiments, the computer-readable program code portions comprising an executable portion may be further configured to receive vibration data representative of a vibration battery condition event, captured at a vibration event time, receive aerosol data representative of an aerosol battery condition event, captured at an aerosol event time, and receive pressure data representative of a pressure battery condition event, captured at a pressure event time. In some embodiments, the cause of the battery condition may further comprise comparing the vibration event time, the aerosol event time, and the pressure event time. Further, in an instance in which the vibration event time is earlier than the aerosol event time, and the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, the cause of the battery condition may be an external condition. In addition, in an instance in which the aerosol event time is earlier than the pressure event time, and the pressure event time is earlier than the vibration event time, the cause of the battery condition may be an internal condition.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

Various example embodiments address technical problems associated with determining the cause of a battery condition, particularly thermal runaway events occurring on an electric car battery (also referred to herein as battery package). As understood by those of skill in the field to which the present disclosure pertains, there are numerous example scenarios in which a user may need to determine the cause of a thermal runaway event during or even after an event has occurred.

Batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, etc.) may undergo a chemical reaction within a battery cell to supply power to various devices, for example electric vehicles. Devices requiring substantial amounts of power, such as electric vehicles, may contain tens or even hundreds of battery cells in a battery package. To accommodate a vast array of battery cells, many electric vehicles are being manufactured using cell-to-chassis technology, which integrates the battery package into the structure of the vehicle. As such, substantial portions of the battery package are exposed to impacts from objects on the road, loose objects such as rocks and sticks, contact with speed bumps and curbs, and other objects that may potentially impact and damage the battery package. Large impacts and/or punctures to the battery package can damage the battery package, causing the battery to enter into a dangerous battery condition.

One example of a battery condition is a thermal runaway event. In certain circumstances, the movement of electrons and lithium ions in the battery may produce heat faster than the battery package can dissipate the generated heat. Once the internal temperature of the battery reaches a certain point, the temperature of the battery may rise uncontrollably until the battery combusts. This dangerous occurrence is referred to as a thermal runaway event.

Impacts, such as those described above would be examples of external conditions causing a thermal runaway event. In addition, internal conditions can lead to a thermal runaway event. Internal conditions may include overcharging, over discharging, short circuits, overheating, and similar events.

Determining the cause of a thermal runaway event may have many benefits. For example, determining the cause of a thermal runaway event may initially inform the mitigating action to be taken. If a thermal runaway event was caused by external factors, for example, disabling the power source may be sufficient to mitigate the thermal runaway event. However, if the thermal runaway event resulted form internal factors, more drastic measures may need to be taken by a battery management system to neutralize the event.

In addition, determining the cause of a thermal runaway event can further inform manufacturers on potential weaknesses and/or improvements that can be made to the battery package, the battery management system, and even the battery charger. Further, the cause of a thermal runaway event may be an important factor in determining insurance coverage and liability.

In some examples, sensors have been used to detect a thermal runaway event in the early stages. Placing sensors inside the battery compartment may provide helpful information regarding the current state of the battery. For example, in the early stages of thermal runaway, there may be a sharp rise in temperature and/or pressure. In addition, the early stages of thermal runaway may be characterized by the presence of certain gases indicative of uncontrolled chemical reactions and/or smoke. In some examples, temperature, pressure, gas, and other sensors are placed inside the battery package to detect these changes in the environment and provide early warning of thermal runaway. However, these solutions simply detect the thermal runaway event as it is unfolding. None of these examples determine the initial cause of the thermal runaway event.

The various example embodiments described herein utilize various techniques to determine the cause of a thermal runaway event. For example, in some embodiments, various internal sensing elements are placed in the interior compartment of the battery package. In some embodiments, these sensors may include pressure sensors, gas sensors, aerosol sensors, temperature sensors, or any combination thereof. Each of these sensors may record environmental data of the physical condition of the interior compartment of the battery package. In addition, external sensing elements may be attached to or near the external housing of the battery package to record environment data external to the battery package. In some embodiments, these external sensing elements may include vibration sensors, accelerometers, velocity sensors, proximity probes, and/or the like.

Each sensor may independently collect data representative of the physical condition of the environment in and around the battery package. In some embodiments, the collected data may be sent to a central controller for analysis. In some embodiments, further analysis may be performed on the sensing element. A thermal runaway event may be manifest differently in each of the sensors. For example, a thermal runaway event may be manifest as a sharp increase in pressure or a pressure level over a determined threshold as detected by the pressure sensor. In addition, a thermal runaway event may result in the presence of smoke or other gases in the interior battery compartment, detectable by a gas or aerosol sensor. Further, a thermal runaway event may result in a sharp increase in temperature. An accelerometer, or vibration sensor, may detect changes in the frequency of the vibrations of the battery package and/or a jolt or impact with the battery package, further evidence of a thermal runaway event. The individual events as detected by each of the individual sensors may be referred to as a battery condition event.

While each of these sensors may independently detect environment conditions indicative of a thermal runaway event, not all these events necessarily occur at the same time. In a first example, at the onset of a thermal runaway event, the aerosol sensor may first detect the presence of smoke, after which the pressure sensor detects an increase in pressure, followed by change in vibration detectable by the external vibration sensor. Or, in a second example, the external vibration sensor may first detect an impact or change in vibration, followed by the presence of gases or smoke in the interior battery compartment, and finally an increase in pressure. The sequence of these battery condition events may provide important information as to the cause of the thermal runaway event. For example, detection of conditions indicative of a thermal runaway event first by an aerosol sensor, then a pressure sensor, and finally by a vibration sensor, may be an indication that the thermal runaway event was caused by an internal condition, such as overcharging. However, detection of conditions indicative of a thermal runaway event first by a vibration sensor, then an internal aerosol sensor, and then a pressure sensor may be an indication that the thermal runaway event was caused by an external condition, such as an impact to the battery package.

As a result of the herein described example embodiments and in some examples, a battery safety evaluation system may determine the cause of a battery condition (e.g., thermal runaway) based on the time sequence of events occurring at the various internal and external sensing elements. Determination of the cause of such a battery condition may aid in the mitigation of the battery condition, aid in safety improvements to the manufacturing of battery packages, and/or provide information relevant to the liability of such an event.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example block diagram of a battery safety evaluation system 100a is provided. The depicted example battery safety evaluation system 100a of <FIG> shows a controller <NUM> communicatively connected to an internal sensing element <NUM> and an external sensing element <NUM>. <FIG> further depicts the internal sensing element <NUM> within a battery package <NUM> and the external sensing element <NUM> external to the battery package <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> receives internal data <NUM> from the internal sensing element <NUM> and external data <NUM> from the external sensing element <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a controller <NUM>. A controller <NUM> may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive internal data <NUM> and external data <NUM> related to the physical condition of the environment in and around the battery package <NUM> and determine the cause of a battery condition based on the received data (e.g., internal data <NUM> and external data <NUM>). As an example, the controller <NUM> may comprise a form as shown in <FIG>. While <FIG> provides an example controller <NUM>, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may receive and monitor periodic sensor data related to the physical condition of the environment. The controller <NUM> may receive such data by periodic request, and/or by automated update from one or more of the sensing elements. For example, a sensing element, such as a pressure sensor may be configured to report a data reading every <NUM> milliseconds. The pressure sensor may then determine the pressure reading and transmit the current pressure reading to the controller <NUM> every <NUM> milliseconds. When the controller <NUM> receives periodic updates of a sensor reading, the controller <NUM> may detect a battery condition event (e.g., an internal battery condition event for data received from an internal sensing element <NUM> and an external battery condition event for data received from an external sensing element <NUM>). The controller <NUM> may detect a battery condition event through processing based on the received sensor readings and corresponding timestamps, depending on the sensing element. In some embodiments, the sensing element may process the environmental data and detect a battery condition event based on the measured environmental data. In such an instance, the sensing element may transmit or register an occurrence of the battery condition event and the corresponding time stamp.

A controller <NUM> may further determine the cause of the battery condition based on the time correlated environment data received from the internal and external sensing elements <NUM>, <NUM> and/or based on the time correlated battery condition events transmitted by the internal and external sensing elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may receive and/or determine the time sequence of the battery condition events and determine the cause of the battery condition based on the time sequence. As further described in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may determine at least whether the battery condition was caused by a condition internal to the battery package <NUM> or a condition external to the battery package <NUM> based on the time sequence of the battery condition events.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a battery package <NUM>. A battery package <NUM> may be any network, system, and/or housing of one or more battery cells, utilizing chemical reactions to supply power to a device, such as an electric vehicle. In general, a battery cell (e.g., battery cell <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>) utilizes a chemical reaction to supply power to produce an output power supply. As an example, when the battery package <NUM> is discharging, ions move from the positive electrode/terminal to the negative electrode/terminal, releasing free electrons and providing an electric current to the operating device (e.g., an electric car). A battery cell may contain a large variety of chemical compositions (e.g., lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides, lithium-iron phosphates, etc.). The chemical reactions occurring in these batteries can be susceptible to dangerous battery conditions, such as thermal runaway events. In thermal runaway events, the chemical reactions generate heat faster than the heat may be dissipated and the temperature of the battery cell increases uncontrollably until the cell combusts. The output power supply necessary to operate an electric vehicle can be quite extensive, requiring a significant number battery cells and a significant number of chemical reactions. Many electric vehicles today have begun arranging large numbers of battery cells into a battery package <NUM> that is integrated as part of the body of the electric vehicle. This technology has largely come to be known as cell-to-chassis technology. Such battery packages <NUM> may be particularly prone to thermal runaway and eventual combustion as a result of mechanical, electrical and/or thermal stress and abuse.

As depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes an internal sensing element <NUM>. An internal sensing element <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device capable of detecting or measuring a physical property associated with the interior of a battery package <NUM>. A battery safety evaluation system 100a may include one or more internal sensing elements <NUM> in determining the cause of a battery condition. Internal sensing elements <NUM> may be attached to the interior surface of the battery package <NUM> or any component, cell, or structure on the interior of the battery package <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of internal sensing elements <NUM> may include pressure sensors, aerosol sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, moisture sensors, light sensors, gas sensors, alcohol sensors, gyroscope sensors, and/or the like. One or more internal sensing elements <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the measured physical property which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as internal data <NUM>. This internal data <NUM> may be utilized by the controller <NUM> in the determination of the cause of a battery condition.

Similarly, as depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes an external sensing element <NUM>. Similar to the internal sensing element <NUM>, the external sensing element <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical devices capable of detecting or measuring a physical property at or near the exterior of the battery package <NUM>. A battery safety evaluation system 100a may include one or more external sensing elements <NUM> in determining the cause of a battery condition. In some embodiments, one or more external sensing elements <NUM> may be attached to the external surface of the battery package <NUM> or any component near the battery package <NUM> such that the one or more external sensing elements <NUM> provide insight into the environment surrounding the battery package <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of external sensing elements <NUM> may also include pressure sensors, aerosol sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, moisture sensors, light sensors, gas sensors, alcohol sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscope sensors, and/or the like. Similar to the internal sensing elements <NUM>, one or more external sensing elements <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the measured physical property which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as external data <NUM>. This external data <NUM> may be utilized by the controller <NUM> in the determination of the cause of a battery condition.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may communicate with the internal sensing elements <NUM>, and/or the external sensing elements <NUM> through wireless protocols, for example, IEEE <NUM> Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol.

Referring to <FIG>, another example of a battery safety evaluation system 100b is provided. The depicted battery safety evaluation system 100b includes an external sensing element <NUM> within the battery package <NUM>. In some embodiments, an external sensing element <NUM> may be included on the interior of the battery package <NUM> and attached to the battery housing wall, such that the external sensing element <NUM> may capture physical conditions exterior to the battery package <NUM>. For example, a vibration sensor may be attached to the interior wall of the battery package <NUM> and detect vibrations on or near the wall of the battery package <NUM>. As another example, a deformation sensor may be attached to the interior wall of the battery package <NUM> to detect deformations in the battery package <NUM> walls. Deformations in the battery package <NUM> wall may be representative of pressure build-up from within the battery package <NUM> and/or deformation from an external force or impact.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example system diagram of a battery safety evaluation system 100a is provided. The depicted battery safety evaluation system 100a shows an example battery package <NUM> including a battery housing <NUM> defining an interior battery compartment <NUM>. Within the interior battery compartment <NUM> are one or more battery cells <NUM>. Additionally, within the interior battery compartment <NUM> is an internal sensing element <NUM> comprising an aerosol sensor <NUM>, a pressure sensor <NUM>, and a temperature sensor <NUM>. Each sensor of the internal sensing element <NUM> is communicatively connected to the controller <NUM> and further provides internal data <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. Further, an external sensing element <NUM> including a vibration sensor <NUM> is attached to the battery housing <NUM>, external to the battery package <NUM>. The vibration sensor <NUM> further provides external data <NUM> to the controller <NUM> via a communication connection.

As depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a battery package <NUM> comprising a battery housing <NUM>, and one or more battery cells <NUM> disposed in an interior battery compartment <NUM>. In some non-limiting examples, a battery housing <NUM> may comprise aluminum, steel, or other metals; plastics and/or reinforced plastics; or any other material capable of protecting the interior components and battery cells <NUM> of the battery package <NUM>.

The battery housing <NUM> defines a space or compartment (e.g., interior battery compartment <NUM>) into which the internal battery components and/or internal sensing element <NUM> may be disposed. In some embodiments, the battery housing <NUM> may provide structures to support, attach, and/or separate the battery cells <NUM>, internal sensing element <NUM>, wiring, and/or other internal components of the battery package <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a battery housing <NUM> may include structures and/or devices to provide cooling to the internal components of the battery package <NUM>.

Contained within the battery housing <NUM> of the example battery package <NUM> of <FIG> is a plurality of battery cells <NUM>. The battery cells <NUM> may take many forms, including but not limited to cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, etc. The battery cells <NUM> may be attached and/or separated by structures defined in the battery housing <NUM>. Additionally, the battery cells <NUM> may be electrically connected in parallel and/or series to provide an accumulated power output to the operating device (e.g., an electric vehicle). Each battery cell <NUM> may house chemical components which undergo a chemical process to generate electrical current. The chemical components of the battery cells <NUM> may comprise numerous compositions, for example, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium Sulphur, and other lithium based compositions; nickel manganese cobalt; nickel metal hydride; lead acid; or any other chemical composition capable of providing sufficient electrical current through a chemical process. The chemical process occurring within the battery cells <NUM> may be prone to dangerous battery conditions, such as, a thermal runaway event.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes an aerosol sensor <NUM>. An aerosol sensor <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device capable of detecting the presence or measuring the amount of particles associated with a battery condition. An aerosol sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect the presence and/or concentration of certain molecules. The detected molecules may be molecules of a certain gas that is indicative of a battery condition. For example, progression of a thermal runaway event may be characterized by elevated levels of methane, carbon, and diethyl carbonate. An aerosol sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure the levels of one or more of these molecules and register a battery condition event if the determined threshold is exceeded. In addition, an aerosol sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure the presence of molecules associated with smoke. Once the presence of smoke molecules exceeds a threshold level, a battery condition event may be registered.

As depicted in <FIG>, the example aerosol sensor <NUM> is disposed in the interior battery compartment <NUM> to measure internal data representative of an internal battery condition event. The presence of smoke, or other molecules, may be an indicator of a dangerous battery condition, such as a thermal runaway event. A sudden spike, a certain concentration level, and/or the presence of detected particles, may be registered as a battery condition event. The aerosol sensor <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the presence or number of measured particles, which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as internal data <NUM>. In some embodiments, the aerosol sensor <NUM> may further include a processor, allowing the aerosol sensor <NUM> to process measured particle data and detect a battery condition event, such as thermal runaway. In some embodiments, the aerosol sensor <NUM> may transmit a notification of the battery condition event and an associated timestamp, to the controller <NUM> for further processing.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a pressure sensor <NUM>. A pressure sensor <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device capable of generating a signal as a function of the pressure imposed by the surrounding atmosphere. As gases are released into the interior battery compartment <NUM>, and as the heated air within the interior battery compartment <NUM> expands, the pressure within the interior battery compartment will increase. A sudden increase in pressure, within the battery package <NUM> may be an indicator that a battery condition (e.g., a thermal runaway event) has or is occurring. The pressure sensor <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the pressure within the interior battery compartment, which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as internal data <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor <NUM> may further include a processor, allowing the pressure sensor <NUM> to process measured pressure values and detect a battery condition event, such as thermal runaway. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor <NUM> may transmit a notification of the battery condition event and an associated timestamp, to the controller <NUM> for further processing.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a temperature sensor <NUM>. A temperature sensor <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device capable of generating a signal as a function of the temperature of the atmosphere immediately surrounding the temperature sensor <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the example temperature sensor <NUM> is disposed in the interior battery compartment <NUM> to measure internal data representative of an internal battery condition event. A battery condition, such as a thermal runaway event, is often induced by the uncontrollable release of heat of the underlying atomic reactions. A sudden increase in temperature, within the battery package <NUM> may be an indicator that a battery condition (e.g., a thermal runaway event) has or is occurring. The temperature sensor <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the temperature within the interior battery compartment <NUM>, which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as internal data <NUM>. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor <NUM> may further include a processor, allowing the temperature sensor <NUM> to process measured temperature values and detect a battery condition event, such as thermal runaway. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor <NUM> may transmit a notification of the battery condition event and an associated timestamp, to the controller <NUM> for further processing.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example battery safety evaluation system 100a includes a vibration sensor <NUM>. A vibration sensor <NUM> may be any electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device capable of generating a signal as a function of the motion of the coupled physical object. As depicted in <FIG>, the example vibration sensor <NUM> is disposed proximate the exterior of the battery housing <NUM> to measure external vibration data representative of an external battery condition event. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor <NUM> may be attached directly to the exterior of the battery housing <NUM>, such that any vibration of the battery package <NUM> is detected. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor <NUM> may be attached to the battery housing <NUM> within the interior battery compartment <NUM> from where the vibration sensor <NUM> may continue to detect the vibration of the battery package <NUM>. A battery condition, such as a thermal runaway event, may be accompanied by a change in the vibration of the battery package <NUM>. The vibration sensor <NUM> may, in some embodiments, measure the amplitude and frequency of vibrations to the battery housing <NUM>. Any significant deviation in vibration frequency (e.g., higher frequency, lower frequency) may be an indicator of a battery condition, such as a thermal runaway event. In addition, a vibration sensor may detect significant impacts to the battery package <NUM> and/or penetrating forces into the battery package <NUM>. Such impacts may be an indicator of an external condition causing a dangerous battery condition. The vibration sensor <NUM> may be coupled with circuitry to provide an electrical output representing the vibration to the battery housing <NUM>, which may be transmitted to the controller <NUM> as external data <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor <NUM> may further include a processor, allowing the vibration sensor <NUM> to process measured vibration values and detect a battery condition event, such as thermal runaway. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor <NUM> may transmit a notification of the battery condition event and an associated timestamp, to the controller <NUM> for further processing.

<FIG> illustrates an example controller <NUM> in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The controller <NUM> includes processor <NUM>, input/output circuitry <NUM>, data storage media <NUM>, communications circuitry <NUM>, internal sensing element circuitry <NUM>, and external sensing element circuitry <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured, using one or more of the sets of circuitry <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, to execute and perform the operations described herein.

Although components are described with respect to functional limitations, it should be understood that the particular implementations necessarily include the use of particular computing hardware. It should also be understood that in some embodiments certain of the components described herein include similar or common hardware. For example, two sets of circuitry may both leverage use of the same processor(s), network interface(s), storage medium(s), and/or the like, to perform their associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not required for each set of circuitry. The user of the term "circuitry" as used herein with respect to components of the apparatuses described herein should therefore be understood to include particular hardware configured to perform the functions associated with the particular circuitry as described herein.

Particularly, the term "circuitry" should be understood broadly to include hardware and, in some embodiments, software for configuring the hardware. For example, in some embodiments, "circuitry" includes processing circuitry, storage media, network interfaces, input/output devices, and/or the like. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, other elements of the controller <NUM> provide or supplement the functionality of other particular sets of circuitry. For example, the processor <NUM> in some embodiments provides processing functionality to any of the sets of circuitry, the data storage media <NUM> provides storage functionality to any of the sets of circuitry, the communications circuitry <NUM> provides network interface functionality to any of the sets of circuitry, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> (and/or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) is/are in communication with the data storage media <NUM> via a bus for passing information among components of the controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the data storage media <NUM> is non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the data storage media <NUM> in some embodiments includes or embodies an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium). In some embodiments, the data storage media <NUM> is configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling the controller <NUM> to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The processor <NUM> may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, in some example embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes one or more processing devices configured to perform independently. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes one or more processor(s) configured in tandem via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/or multithreading. The use of the terms "processor" and "processing circuitry" should be understood to include a single core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to the controller <NUM>, and/or one or more remote or "cloud" processor(s) external to the controller <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the processor <NUM> is configured to execute instructions stored in the data storage media <NUM> or otherwise accessible to the processor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor <NUM> in some embodiments is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor <NUM> represents an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, as another example in some example embodiments, when the processor <NUM> is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions specifically configure the processor <NUM> to perform the algorithms embodied in the specific operations described herein when such instructions are executed.

As one particular example embodiment, the processor <NUM> is configured to perform various operations associated with determining a cause of a battery condition (e.g., a thermal runaway event). In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that receives and/or determines a gas carrier rate. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that receives, from an internal sensing element <NUM> attached to an interior battery compartment <NUM> of a battery, internal data <NUM> representative of an internal battery condition event. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that receives, from an external sensing element <NUM> attached to a battery housing <NUM> of the battery, external data representative of an external battery condition event. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the processor <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that determines the cause of the battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data <NUM> captured by the internal sensing element <NUM> and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data <NUM> captured by the external sensing element <NUM> and representative of the external battery condition event.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> includes input/output circuitry <NUM> that provides output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. In some embodiments, the input/output circuitry <NUM> is in communication with the processor <NUM> to provide such functionality. The input/output circuitry <NUM> may comprise one or more user interface(s) (e.g., user interface) and in some embodiments includes a display that comprises the interface(s) rendered as a web user interface, an application user interface, a user device, a backend system, or the like. The processor <NUM> and/or input/output circuitry <NUM> comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., data storage media <NUM>, and/or the like). In some embodiments, the input/output circuitry <NUM> includes or utilizes a user-facing application to provide input/output functionality to a client device and/or other display associated with a user.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> includes communications circuitry <NUM>. The communications circuitry <NUM> includes any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device, circuitry, or module in communication with the controller <NUM>. In this regard, the communications circuitry <NUM> includes, for example in some embodiments, a network interface for enabling communications with a wired or wireless communications network. Additionally or alternatively in some embodiments, the communications circuitry <NUM> includes one or more network interface card(s), antenna(s), bus(es), switch(es), router(s), modem(s), and supporting hardware, firmware, and/or software, or any other device suitable for enabling communications via one or more communications network(s). Additionally or alternatively, the communications circuitry <NUM> includes circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) and/or other hardware or software to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some embodiments, the communications circuitry <NUM> enables transmission to and/or receipt of data from a client device in communication with the controller <NUM>.

The internal sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that supports various functionality associated with configuring and/or communicating with an internal sensing element <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the internal sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof to communicate with the internal sensing element <NUM> according to an established protocol to provide appropriate configuration and/or calibration parameters to receive accurate data representing a physical condition of the environment. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the internal sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to receive captured internal data <NUM> for processing to determine if an internal battery condition event has occurred. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the internal sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that receives notification of an internal battery condition event, such as a thermal runaway event, detected by the internal sensing element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the internal sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes a separate processor, specially configured field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a specially programmed application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The external sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that supports various functionality associated with configuring and/or communicating with an external sensing element <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the external sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof to communicate with the external sensing element <NUM> according to an established protocol to provide appropriate configuration and/or calibration parameters to receive accurate data representing a physical condition of the environment. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the external sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to receive captured external data <NUM> for processing to determine if an external battery condition event has occurred. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the external sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, that receives notification of an external battery condition event, such as a thermal runaway event, detected by the external sensing element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the external sensing element circuitry <NUM> includes a separate processor, specially configured field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a specially programmed application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the sets of circuitry <NUM>-<NUM> are combinable. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the sets of circuitry perform some or all of the functionality described associated with another component. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sets of circuitry <NUM>-<NUM> are combined into a single module embodied in hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the sets of circuitry, for example internal sensing element circuitry <NUM>, and/or external sensing element circuitry <NUM>, is/are combined such that the processor <NUM> performs one or more of the operations described above with respect to each of these circuitry individually.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example event sequence graph <NUM> is provided. The event sequence graph <NUM> depicts graphs of three different physical conditions of the environment, each as a function of time. Graph <NUM> depicts vibration data as measured by, for example, a vibration sensor (e.g., vibration sensor <NUM>) as a function of time. As depicted in graph <NUM>, the vibration amplitude is measured in gravitational-force units, or Gs. While depicted as a measurement of vibration amplitude in gravitational-force-units, a vibration sensor may measure the vibration in relation to frequency as measured in Hertz, in relation to velocity as measured in meters per second, in relation to displacement as measured in millimeters, in relation to acceleration as measured in meters per second squared, or other similar measurements.

Graph <NUM> additionally depicts an example vibration threshold <NUM>. In some embodiments, a vibration threshold <NUM> may be established based on the battery package <NUM>, the size and make-up of the battery, the operating vehicle, and other factors. The vibration threshold <NUM> may be pre-determined and/or a vibration threshold <NUM> may be established based on readings obtained during normal operation. In an instance in which the vibration sensor is measuring external data, an external battery condition event may be registered when the magnitude of the vibration exceeds the vibration threshold, as seen at point <NUM>. An external battery condition event may be associated with a time, for example, vibration event time <NUM>. In some embodiments, the occurrence of an external battery condition event may be established by the vibration sensor <NUM>, while in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may establish the occurrence of an external battery condition event based on the received external data <NUM>. The external battery condition event registered by the vibration sensor <NUM> and the associated vibration event time <NUM> may be used to determine the cause of the battery condition.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example event sequence graph <NUM> further includes a pressure data graph <NUM>. Graph <NUM> depicts the pressure data measured by, for example, a pressure sensor <NUM>. Graph <NUM> charts the measured pressure in kilopascals as a function of time. Graph <NUM> additionally depicts an example pressure threshold <NUM> that may be pre-determined based on the physical characteristics and chemical make-up of the battery package <NUM>, or may be determined during operation. When the magnitude of pressure exceeds the pressure threshold <NUM> as shown at point <NUM>, a battery condition event may be registered. In some embodiments, in which the pressure sensor <NUM> is disposed in the interior battery compartment <NUM>, the battery condition event is an internal battery condition event. A registered battery condition event is similarly associated with a time, for example, pressure event time <NUM>. The internal battery condition event registered by the pressure sensor <NUM> and the associated pressure event time <NUM> may be used to determine the cause of the battery condition.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the example event sequence graph <NUM> further includes an aerosol data graph <NUM>. As described in relation to <FIG>, an aerosol sensor <NUM> may measure the concentration of particles indicative of a battery condition (e.g., smoke particles). Graph <NUM> charts the concentration of particles indicative of a battery condition as a function of time. The concentration of graph <NUM> depicts a measured concentration of particles in micrograms per meter cubed. Graph <NUM> additionally depicts an example aerosol threshold <NUM> that may be pre-determined based on the physical characteristics and chemical make-up of the battery package <NUM>, or may be determined during operation. When the detected concentration of particles exceeds the aerosol threshold <NUM> as shown at point <NUM>, a battery condition event may be registered. In some embodiments, in which the aerosol sensor <NUM> is disposed in the interior battery compartment <NUM>, the battery condition event is an internal battery condition event. The registered battery condition event is similarly associated with a time, for example, aerosol event time <NUM>. The internal battery condition event registered by the pressure sensor <NUM> and the associated aerosol event time <NUM> may be used to determine the cause of the battery condition.

The time sequence of the battery condition events as shown in event sequence graph <NUM> are first, an external vibration battery condition event, second, an internal aerosol battery condition event, and third, an internal pressure battery condition event. As further described in relation to <FIG>, this sequence of events may be indicative of a battery condition caused by an external condition.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example event sequence graph <NUM> is provided. The event sequence graph <NUM>, similar to <FIG> depicts a vibration data graph <NUM>, a pressured data graph <NUM>, and an aerosol data graph <NUM>. Also, similar to <FIG>, each graph includes a threshold value (e.g., vibration threshold <NUM>, pressure threshold <NUM>, and aerosol threshold <NUM>). However, in the event sequence graph <NUM> of <FIG>, the aerosol sensor <NUM> measures a value or sequence of values that exceed the aerosol threshold <NUM> first, at point <NUM> and associated with an aerosol event time <NUM>. Next, the pressure sensor <NUM> measures a value or sequence of values that exceed the pressure threshold <NUM> at point <NUM> and associated with pressure event time <NUM>. Finally, the vibration sensor <NUM> measures a value or sequence of values that exceed the vibration threshold <NUM> at point <NUM> and associated with vibration event time <NUM>. As further described in relation to <FIG>, this sequence of events may be indicative of a battery condition caused by an internal condition.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example flow diagram illustrating an example method <NUM> for determining the cause of a battery condition (e.g., a thermal runaway event) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The example method <NUM> begins at block <NUM> when a controller <NUM> receives, from an internal sensing element <NUM> attached to an interior battery compartment <NUM> of a battery (e.g., battery package <NUM>), internal data <NUM> representative of an internal battery condition event. As described in relation to <FIG>, an internal sensing element <NUM> may comprise one or more sensing devices, for example, an aerosol sensor <NUM>, a pressure sensor <NUM>, temperature sensor <NUM>, or other similar sensing device. These sensing devices may be attached in the interior battery compartment <NUM> of the battery package <NUM>. The internal sensing element <NUM> continually captures internal data <NUM> related to a physical condition of the internal environment of the battery package <NUM>, for example, the temperature, the pressure, or the presence of certain gas molecules. The controller <NUM> may receive the internal data <NUM> at a regular interval. The received internal data <NUM> may represent an internal battery condition event. An internal battery condition event may be a sudden increase in temperature such that the temperature exceeds a determined temperature threshold. In some embodiments, the sudden increase in pressure may coincide with a thermal runaway event. An internal battery condition event may further include a sudden increase in pressure such that the pressure exceeds a determined pressure threshold. In some embodiments, the sudden increase in pressure may coincide with a thermal runaway event. An internal battery condition event may also include an increase in certain molecules indicative of smoke and/or a thermal runaway event such that the concentration of molecules exceeds a determined threshold. In some embodiments, the internal sensing element <NUM> may determine when an internal battery condition event, such as a thermal runaway event, has occurred and transmit notification of the internal battery condition event.

At block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> receives, from an external sensing element <NUM> attached to a battery housing <NUM> of the battery (e.g., battery package <NUM>), external data representative of an external battery condition event.

As described in relation to <FIG>, an external sensing element <NUM> may comprise one or more sensing devices, for example, a vibration sensor <NUM>, or other similar sensing device. The sensing devices comprising the external sensing element <NUM> may be attached to the exterior surface of the of the battery package <NUM>. The external sensing element <NUM> continually captures external data <NUM> related to a physical condition of the environment outside of the battery package <NUM>, for example, the temperature and/or the vibrations of the battery package <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may receive the external data <NUM> at a regular interval. The received external data <NUM> may represent an external battery condition event. An external battery condition event may be a sudden jolt, shock, impact, or puncture that is manifest in the amplitude data received from the external sensing element <NUM>. An external battery condition event captured by and external vibration sensor <NUM>, may also be a change in frequency (higher or lower) from the frequency of normal operation. In some embodiments, the external sensing element <NUM> may determine when an external battery condition event, such as a thermal runaway event or impact, has occurred and transmit notification of the external battery condition event.

At block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> determines the cause of the battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data <NUM> captured by the internal sensing element <NUM> and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data <NUM> captured by the external sensing element <NUM> and representative of the external battery condition event. Utilizing the data received (e.g., internal data <NUM> and external data <NUM>), a controller <NUM> may determine the occurrence of a battery condition event.

A battery condition event may be an internal battery condition event or an external battery condition event based on the positioning of the sensing devices. Internal sensing elements <NUM> may include aerosol sensors <NUM>, pressure sensors <NUM>, temperature sensors <NUM>, and other similar sensors positioned in the interior battery compartment <NUM> of a battery package <NUM> and producing data output representative of the physical conditions of the environment within the interior battery compartment <NUM>. An internal battery condition event occurs when a physical characteristic of the interior battery compartment <NUM> exceeds a threshold (e.g., pressure threshold <NUM>, aerosol threshold <NUM>) and/or when an abrupt change in the physical condition is measured. For example, an internal battery condition event may be registered if the pressure measured within the interior battery compartment <NUM> exceeds the pressure threshold <NUM>. As another example, an internal battery condition event may be registered if the concentration of gas molecules indicative of a battery condition such as a thermal runaway event (e.g., smoke molecules) within the interior battery compartment <NUM> exceeds the aerosol threshold <NUM>.

External sensing elements <NUM> may include vibration sensors <NUM> and other similar sensors positioned on or proximate the battery housing <NUM> of a battery package <NUM> and producing data output representative of the physical conditions of the environment external to the battery package <NUM>. An external battery condition event occurs when a physical characteristic of the environment outside the battery package <NUM> exceeds a threshold (e.g., vibration threshold <NUM>) and/or when an abrupt change in the physical condition is measured. For example, an external battery condition event may be registered if the magnitude of vibration measured on the battery housing <NUM> of the battery package <NUM> exceeds the vibration threshold <NUM>. As another example, an external battery condition event may be registered if the frequency of the measured vibration on the battery housing <NUM> measured is outside the range of the frequency of normal operation.

In some embodiments, the sensing device may determine if a battery condition event has occurred and transmit notification and an associated time stamp (e.g. vibration event time <NUM>, aerosol event time <NUM>, pressure event time <NUM>) to the controller <NUM>.

Once the internal and external battery condition events have been determined and associated with a time stamp, the controller <NUM> may determine the cause of the battery condition. As further explained in relation to <FIG>, a cause of the external battery condition may be determined based on the time sequence of the internal and external battery condition events.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> is provided. As depicted in <FIG>, the cause of a battery condition (e.g., a thermal runaway event) may be determined based on the sequence of events detected by the individual internal and external sensing devices. While the battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> of <FIG> is depicted based on battery condition events from an aerosol sensor <NUM> and pressure sensor <NUM> positioned within the interior battery compartment <NUM>, and a vibration sensor <NUM> attached to the battery housing <NUM> of the battery package <NUM>, additional sensing devices may replace or supplement the depicted sensing devices. For example, a temperature sensor <NUM> positioned within the interior battery compartment <NUM> may replace a pressure sensor <NUM> and detect internal battery condition events based on the temperature of the interior battery compartment <NUM>.

The example battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> begins at step <NUM> by determining a vibration battery condition event and associating the event with a time (TVIB). A vibration battery condition event may occur when the amplitude of the vibration of the battery package <NUM> exceeds a vibration threshold (e.g., vibration threshold <NUM>, <NUM>). The time (TVIB) represents the time at which the vibration condition event occurred.

The example battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> at step <NUM>, determines an aerosol battery condition event and an associated event time (TP). An aerosol sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect molecules indicative of smoke or other molecules indicative of a battery condition (e.g., methane, carbon, and diethyl carbonate). An aerosol battery condition event may occur when the presence of a particular molecule is detected, or the concentration of the particular molecule exceeds a threshold limit (e.g., aerosol threshold <NUM>, <NUM>). The time (TA) represents the time at which the aerosol condition event occurred.

The example battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> continues at step <NUM> by determining a pressure battery condition event and associating the event with a time (TP). A pressure battery condition event may occur when the measured pressure of the interior battery compartment <NUM> exceeds a pressure threshold (e.g., pressure threshold <NUM>, <NUM>). The time (TP) represents the time at which the pressure condition event occurred.

The example battery condition cause decision tree <NUM> continues at step <NUM> by comparing the battery condition event times TVIB, Tp, and TA. In an instance in which TVIB < TA < Tp, the controller <NUM> continues to step <NUM> and determines that the battery condition was caused by an external condition. In an example scenario, an external condition such as an impact to the battery package <NUM> or an object penetrating the battery housing <NUM> of the battery package <NUM> may damage the internal components of the battery package <NUM>, such as the battery cells <NUM>, initiating a thermal runaway event. In such a scenario, the vibration sensor <NUM> may first register a battery condition event at time TVIB when the object impacts the battery package <NUM>. As the damaged battery package <NUM> begins to enter the initial stages of thermal runaway, an aerosol sensor <NUM> may detect an elevated level of molecules indicative of smoke and register a second battery condition event at time TA. Finally, as the ions in the battery cells <NUM> react uncontrollably, the temperature and pressure within the interior battery compartment <NUM> suddenly and drastically rise. A pressure sensor <NUM> may register a third battery condition event at time Tp. Thus, TVIB < TA < TP may be indicative of a battery condition caused by an external condition.

In an instance in which TA < TP < TVIB, the controller <NUM> continues to step <NUM> and determines that the battery condition was caused by an internal condition. In an example scenario, an internal condition such as overcharging the battery package <NUM> may damage the internal components of the battery package <NUM>, such as the battery cells <NUM>, initiating a thermal runaway event. In such a scenario, the ions within the battery cells <NUM> may begin to react in an uncontrollably, generating smoke molecules and other molecules indicative of a thermal runaway event. The aerosol sensor <NUM> may detect the elevated level of molecules indicative of the thermal runaway event (e.g., smoke, methane, carbon, diethyl carbonate) and register a first battery condition event at time TA. As the ions in the battery cells <NUM> continue to react uncontrollably, the temperature and pressure within the interior battery compartment <NUM> suddenly and drastically rise. A pressure sensor <NUM> may register a second battery condition event at time Tp. The rising pressure within the battery package <NUM> may cause the battery package <NUM> to bulge and/or burst, causing abnormal variations in the frequency and amplitude of vibrations on the battery housing <NUM>. The vibration sensor <NUM> may detect these variations and register a third battery condition event at time TVIB. Thus, TA < TP < TVIB, may be indicative of a battery condition caused by an internal condition.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although the figures only show certain components of the apparatus and systems described herein, it is understood that various other components may be used in conjunction with the system. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the steps in the method described above may not necessarily occur in the order depicted in the accompanying diagrams, and in some cases one or more of the steps depicted may occur substantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be involved. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under <NUM> C. <NUM> or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.

Claim 1:
A battery safety evaluation system comprising:
a battery comprising:
a battery housing defining an interior battery compartment; and
an internal sensing element attached to the interior battery compartment, wherein the internal sensing element is configured to capture internal data representative of an internal battery condition event;
an external sensing element attached to the battery housing, wherein the external sensing element is configured to capture external data representative of an external battery condition event; and
a controller communicatively connected to the internal sensing element and the external sensing element,
wherein the controller determines a cause of a battery condition based at least in part on a time sequence of events generated from the internal data captured by the internal sensing element and representative of the internal battery condition event and the external data captured by the external sensing element and representative of the external battery condition event.