Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to vent a battery pack for an electric vehicle. The battery pack comprises a pack housing subdivided by a crossmember. The crossmember defines a multidirectional vent passage configured to allow venting with a first bay and a second bay. A pressure release valve is arranged on the pack housing and configured to release pressure based on the multidirectional vent passage.

Abstract: Example illustrations are directed to an insulator assembly and methods, e.g., of installing the insulator assembly into a battery pack. An insulator assembly may include an insulator sheet and an insulator sheet standoff coupled to the insulator sheet. The standoff may be configured to allow ventilation associated with the insulator sheet and one or more surfaces of a battery component. Example insulator assemblies may be provided in a battery pack, e.g., for an electric vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to vent a battery pack system. The battery pack system comprises a first wall positioned in a first portion of a vehicle and a second wall positioned in a second portion of the vehicle. A first plurality of pressure release valves is embedded in the first wall, wherein the first plurality of pressure release valves is arranged release gas from between the first wall and another feature or component of the battery pack system. A second plurality of pressure release valves is embedded in the second wall, wherein the second plurality of pressure release valves are arranged to enable the egress of gas from between the second wall and another feature or component of the battery pack system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to vent a battery pack using a pressure release valve. The pressure release valve comprises a housing configured to be secured to an outer surface of a sidewall of a battery pack. A first membrane is arranged in a first side of the housing. A second membrane in a second side of the housing and adjacent to the first membrane.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure and absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. The battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, vehicle structural members (e.g., rocker panels) located on either side of the vehicle. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure and absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. The battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, vehicle structural members (e.g., rocker panels) located on either side of the vehicle. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a collapsible side sill along with multiple vehicle cross-members to achieve the desired level of vehicle side impact resistance, the combination of these elements absorbing and distributing the impact load throughout the vehicle structure. A battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure also help to absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. In this configuration the battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, the side sill assemblies. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system is comprised of a sealed battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries, where the battery pack enclosure is divided into a plurality of sealed battery pack compartments. The system also includes a plurality of battery venting assemblies, where at least one battery venting assembly is integrated into each of the sealed battery pack compartments, and where each of the battery venting assemblies includes an exhaust port integrated into an outer wall of the battery pack compartment and a valve, the valve being configured to seal the exhaust port under normal operating conditions and to unseal the exhaust port when at least one of the batteries within the battery pack compartment enters into thermal runaway.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system is comprised of a sealed battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries, where the battery pack enclosure is divided into a plurality of sealed battery pack compartments. The system also includes a plurality of battery venting assemblies, where at least one battery venting assembly is integrated into each of the sealed battery pack compartments, and where each of the battery venting assemblies includes an exhaust port integrated into an outer wall of the battery pack compartment and a valve, the valve being configured to seal the exhaust port under normal operating conditions and to unseal the exhaust port when at least one of the batteries within the battery pack compartment enters into thermal runaway.

Abstract: A light weight brake assembly for bicycles is disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to enhance assembly adjustability, for example to accommodate geometric variations that occur with various bicycle frame and wheel geometries. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to allow for a brake leverage that can be non-linear and capable of multiplying during brake actuation so that braking force increases more rapidly than brake lever force applied by the user. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to provide a brake sensitivity that is adjustable in use. Some embodiments provide for a quick-release functionality, for example by quickly increasing the gap between the two brake pads so that the wheel can be easily/quickly removed.

Abstract: A light weight brake assembly for bicycles is disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to enhance assembly adjustability, for example to accommodate geometric variations that occur with various bicycle frame and wheel geometries. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to allow for a brake leverage that can be non-linear and capable of multiplying during brake actuation so that braking force increases more rapidly than brake lever force applied by the user. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to provide a brake sensitivity that is adjustable in use. Some embodiments provide for a quick-release functionality, for example by quickly increasing the gap between the two brake pads so that the wheel can be easily/quickly removed.

Abstract: A retractable device is provided for an earphone/microphone used with a cell phone. The device is formed of a housing with one rewinding spool for the earphone end of the cord with allowance for twisting of the connector end of the cord. The device with two spools allows for independent rewinding of earphone end portion of the cord and the connector end portion of the cord on different spools and the confinement of a middle portion of the cord in reversible winding cavity with the ends of the middle portion of the cord fixed so that middle portion can wind and rewind in the reversible winding cavity without leaving the cavity.