Battery Pressure Plate Cam Control for Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium Metal Batteries (LMBs) experience dendrite growth under low pressure conditions, reducing their lifespan and effectiveness, necessitating operation under high pressure to mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control device comprising a support plate, a movable pressure plate, a cam mechanism driven by a cam shaft and motor, allowing for adjustable pressure application across the battery, utilizing a solenoid to control the axial location of a gear pin for differential pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is operated under low pressure conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but dendrite growth occurs which limits battery lifespan and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate is made movable relative to the support plate through a cam mechanism, allowing the pressure applied to the battery to be dynamically adjusted. The cam rotates to convert rotational motion into linear motion of the pressure plate, enabling the system to transition between different pressure states (high pressure to prevent dendrites, low pressure for normal operation) rather than maintaining a fixed pressure condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter applied to the battery by rotating the cam to different angular positions. The cam profile is designed such that at certain rotation angles, the pressure plate applies high pressure to the battery to prevent dendrite growth, while at other angles, the pressure is reduced or removed entirely, allowing the battery to operate under low pressure conditions when high pressure is not needed
2Reliability
If high pressure is applied to the battery continuously, then dendrite growth is reduced, but the battery performance deteriorates due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism enables periodic application of high pressure to the battery. As the cam rotates, it periodically pushes the pressure plate against the battery to apply high pressure, then releases to allow low pressure conditions. This periodic action allows the battery to receive dendrite-preventing pressure treatment at specific intervals (e.g., during charging when dendrites are most likely to form) while maintaining optimal performance during other operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pressure control allows the system to adapt pressure levels to match battery operational needs. The cam can be rotated to different positions to provide high pressure during critical phases (charging) and low or zero pressure during other phases (discharging, resting), optimizing both dendrite prevention and battery performance based on real-time operational requirements
3Ease of operation
If a simple pressure application mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control and adjust pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-component mechanical pressure control system (screws, springs, manual adjusters) is replaced with a cam mechanism that provides automated pressure control through rotation. The cam profile itself encodes the pressure control logic, where the radial distance from the cam center to its surface at different angles determines the pressure plate position and thus the battery pressure. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple rotation while achieving sophisticated pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism controls pressure by changing the radial parameter of the cam profile. By designing the cam with specific radial dimensions at different angular positions, the system automatically translates rotational position into precise pressure control. The radial distance varies along the cam perimeter, creating the desired pressure profile as the cam rotates, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment devices
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 solution effectively controls pressure within the battery, reducing dendrite growth and enhancing the performance and lifespan of LMBs by maintaining optimal high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cam disposed at the pressure plate and configured to rotate to move the pressure plate with respect to the support plate
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to generate a rotation at the cam shaft
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid at the cam shaft for controlling an axial location of the gear pin with respect to the cam groove
Implementation Method 4
a flexible belt connecting the rotor shaft to the cam shaft to convert a rotation of the rotor shaft to the rotation of the cam shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a pressure control device for controlling a pressure at a battery of a vehicle and a method of controlling the pressure of the battery. A support plate is disposed at a first side of the battery. A pressure plate disposed at a second side of the battery opposite the first side. The pressure plate movable with respect to the support plate to control the pressure of the battery. A cam disposed at the pressure plate is configured to rotate to move the pressure plate with respect to the support plate. A cam shaft rotates the cam to move the pressure plate. A motor generates a rotation at the cam shaft.