Battery Can Electrolyte Removal Using Nested Air Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of poor coupling between the can and cap assembly and insufficient electrolyte impregnation in secondary batteries is caused by electrolyte residue on the opening and beading part of the can, as well as on the upper portion of the insulator, leading to potential rust formation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an electrolyte removing unit that uses air injection and collection passages to introduce and remove residual electrolyte from the can and insulator into the electrode assembly accommodation part, featuring a double-tube structure and sealing mechanism to stabilize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air injection is used to remove electrolyte from the opening and beading part, then electrolyte removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte removing unit is divided into an outer tube and an inner tube, creating separate air injection and air collection passages. This segmentation allows independent control of air flow paths, improving electrolyte removal efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is placed inside the outer tube, with the air collection passage within the inner tube and the air injection passage in the outer tube. This nested structure achieves dual functionality (injection and collection) within a compact configuration, improving removal efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If a double-tube structure is used for air injection and collection, then electrolyte removal effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double-tube structure segments air injection and collection functions into separate passages, ensuring reliable electrolyte removal through dedicated flow paths. The segmented design allows each tube to be manufactured independently using standard piping techniques, offsetting the increased structural complexity with manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The nested double-tube configuration achieves reliable electrolyte removal by placing the collection tube inside the injection tube. This nesting approach maintains manufacturing ease by using conventional concentric pipe assembly methods while ensuring effective separation of air flow paths for reliable operation
3Productivity
If air collection passage is positioned at the center, then air collection efficiency is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air collection passage is nested within the inner tube at the center of the device structure. This central positioning optimizes air collection efficiency by placing the collection point at the geometric center where air naturally converges, while the nested configuration minimizes the overall device volume by utilizing the existing tubular space efficiently
4Productivity
If air injection passage is positioned at the edge, then electrolyte introduction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air injection passage is positioned at the edge of the outer tube, creating localized high-velocity air flow at the periphery where electrolyte accumulation occurs. This local quality enhancement targets the specific problem area (edge electrolyte residue) without requiring complex device architecture, as the edge positioning naturally follows the can opening geometry
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 apparatus effectively removes residual electrolyte, improving coupling and impregnation, preventing rust, and minimizing size and interference while enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air injection passage through which air is injected toward the opening and the beading part of the can to introduce the electrolyte remaining on the opening and the beading part of the can into an electrode assembly accommodation part of the can, thereby removing the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
an air collection passage through which the air discharged from the inside of the can is collected
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for removing an electrolyte according to the present invention includes an electrolyte removing unit configured to remove the electrolyte remaining on an opening and a beading part of a can, wherein the electrolyte removing unit includes an air injection passage through which air is injected toward the opening and the beading part of the can to introduce the electrolyte remaining on the opening and the beading part of the can into an electrode assembly accommodation part of the can, thereby removing the electrolyte.