US Patent 9806310 Battery failure venting system

The present invention extends to methods, systems, devices, apparatus, and computer program products for protecting against runaway thermal failure of a battery pack. A fireproof container is built with a thermo-sensitive panel cover leading to the outside environment. When battery failure causes temperatures to rise inside one of the compartments, the panel cover material reacts, causing it open, allowing flames and hot gasses to vent and preventing the buildup of heat internally. Internal sensors may detect the activation of the cover material and allow an electric or electronic circuit to isolate the contents of the failed container from the rest of the system.