Cylindrical Battery Can Structure With Pressure-Release Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face challenges in reducing manufacturing processes and ensuring reliability, particularly in sealability, and require a mechanism to disconnect the can and electrode assembly when internal pressure reaches a critical point to prevent safety issues like overcharging and external short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a cylindrical can structure with two interconnected cans that are press-fitted to serve as electrode terminals, simplifying manufacturing and providing sealability, and a disconnection mechanism that releases when internal pressure exceeds a critical point to prevent current interruption without additional safety devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-can structure with separate terminals is used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but sealability reliability and manufacturing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The can is divided into a first can and a second can that are coupled together through press-fitting. This segmentation allows each can to independently contact and seal with corresponding electrodes, improving sealability reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The can structure is merged with the terminal function, where the first can forms the first electrode terminal and the second can forms the second electrode terminal. This integration eliminates separate terminal components, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable electrical connection and sealing
2Reliability
If additional safety devices are added for pressure release, then safety function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupled can structure serves its own safety function through the press-fitting coupling mechanism. When internal pressure exceeds a critical threshold, the coupling automatically releases, allowing the can to vent pressure without requiring separate safety devices. This self-service approach maintains safety while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fitting coupling between the first can and second can serves multiple functions: electrical connection, sealing, and pressure release safety mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated safety devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety
3Productivity
If separate terminal components are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The can structure is merged with the terminal function, where the first can forms the first electrode terminal and the second can forms the second electrode terminal. This integration eliminates separate terminal components and reduces assembly steps, directly improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The first can and second can are pre-formed with specific geometries that enable direct press-fitting coupling and automatic alignment with electrodes. This preliminary preparation of the can structures streamlines the assembly process, reducing manufacturing time and complexity
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
This design reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring high productivity and safety through automatic disconnection during pressure increases, preventing damage from overcharging and external short-circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the two cans are assembled in the press-fitting manner to allow each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode to be connected
Implementation Method 2
an insulator configured to insulate an overlapping portion between the first can and the second can
Implementation Method 3
when the internal pressure of the battery reaches the critical point or higher, the coupling of the two cans that are press-fitted into and coupled to each other may be released
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode are alternately stacked and wound together; a can provided with an accommodation part that accommodates the electrode assembly therein, the can comprising a first can and a second can, which have cylindrical shapes opened in a direction facing each other; and an insulator configured to insulate an overlapping portion between the first can and the second can. The first can forms a first electrode terminal that directly contacts an end of the first electrode, and the second can forms a second electrode terminal that directly contacts an end of the second electrode.