Secondary Battery Cap Plate Recessed Vent Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of secondary battery cap plates are increased due to the terminal hole, vent hole, and current collecting member configuration, which complicates the design and raises production costs.
Innovation Solution
A slim yet rigid cap plate design with a recessed portion and vent hole, where the recessed portion's depth and thickness are optimized to enhance rigidity, reducing material usage and simplifying the structure by integrating the vent plate into the cap plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cap plate includes terminal hole, vent hole, and current collecting member configuration, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vent plate function directly into the cap plate structure by forming a recessed portion that integrates the vent hole functionality. This merging eliminates the need for a separate vent plate component, thereby reducing device complexity and configuration while maintaining the required functionality for venting gases during battery operation.
2Weight of stationary object
If the cap plate thickness is reduced to achieve slim design, then the weight and material cost are reduced, but the strength and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed portion in the cap plate that concentrates material in specific areas where structural support is needed. This localized material distribution enhances the rigidity and strength of the cap plate at critical regions while maintaining an overall thin and lightweight design, thus resolving the contradiction between slim profile and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by forming a recessed portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the cap plate. This dimensional change creates a stepped structure that increases the moment of inertia and enhances bending resistance without increasing the overall thickness of the cap plate, thereby improving strength while maintaining a slim design.
3Strength
If the recessed portion depth is increased to enhance rigidity, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the depth of the recessed portion within a specific range (0.2 to 0.5 times the cap plate thickness) to achieve the desired strength enhancement while maintaining manufacturability. By defining this parameter range, the patent balances the need for increased rigidity with the practical constraints of manufacturing processes, avoiding excessive depth that would complicate fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes: a case having a space therein; an electrode assembly accommodated in the space in the case; and a cap plate coupled to and sealing the case. The cap plate has a recessed portion and a vent hole in the recessed portion.