Battery Cell Adapter Layout for Unobstructed Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cells face safety concerns due to the risk of thermal runaway, which can lead to poor pressure relief, causing the battery to catch fire or explode.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design that includes a shell with a pressure relief mechanism, an electrode assembly, an adapter member, and a gap control portion. The gap control portion, which may include a support member, is configured to prevent the adapter member from shielding the pressure relief hole during thermal runaway, ensuring timely pressure relief.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adapter member is disposed in the shell to connect electrode lead-out portion and tab, then the electrical connection is improved, but the adapter member may deform and shield the pressure relief hole during thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidpressure relief obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery cell structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the adapter member is positioned in the lower portion to handle electrical connections, while the pressure relief mechanism is positioned in the upper portion to handle pressure relief. This spatial segmentation ensures that the adapter member cannot shield the pressure relief hole, resolving the contradiction between electrical connection reliability and pressure relief functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulator as an intermediary component between the adapter member and the pressure relief mechanism. This insulator acts as a mediator that prevents the adapter member from deforming toward the pressure relief hole while maintaining electrical insulation, thus resolving the contradiction without compromising either electrical connection or pressure relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the adapter member is allowed to move freely during thermal runaway, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adapter member may deform and shield the pressure relief hole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter member positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpressure relief hole shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the internal space into distinct zones with the adapter member confined to the lower portion and the pressure relief mechanism in the upper portion. This spatial segmentation restricts the adapter member's movement range, preventing it from shielding the pressure relief hole while maintaining positioning flexibility within its designated zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics in different locations: the lower portion accommodates the adapter member with electrical connection functions, while the upper portion houses the pressure relief mechanism. This local differentiation ensures the adapter member cannot interfere with pressure relief while maintaining its operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The design effectively reduces the risk of battery cell failure by ensuring smooth pressure relief and preventing the adapter member from obstructing the pressure relief hole, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the battery cell.

Implementation Method 1

The support member is disposed between the first wall and the adapter member. The support member is configured to be able to restrict the adapter member from shielding the pressure relief hole formed by the pressure relief mechanism in the event of the thermal runaway of the battery cell.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 2

In the event of the thermal runaway of the battery cell, a high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the shell is ejected and pushed toward the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism performs an action or is destroyed to form a pressure relief hole for the relief of an internal pressure or a temperature.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure relief: Depressurisation

Implementation Method 3

The gap control portion, which may include a support member, is configured to prevent the adapter member from shielding the pressure relief hole during thermal runaway, ensuring timely pressure relief.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentEP4542749A1Battery cell, battery and electric device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4542749A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4542749A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4542749A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. The battery cell includes: a shell, having a first wall; a pressure relief mechanism, disposed at the first wall; an electrode lead-out portion, disposed on the shell; an electrode assembly, disposed in the shell, the electrode assembly being provided with a tab; an adapter member, connecting the electrode lead-out portion to the tab; and a gap control portion, disposed in the shell, the gap control portion being configured to be able to restrict the adapter member from shielding a pressure relief hole formed by the pressure relief mechanism in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell. The battery cell has relatively high safety.