Rechargeable Battery Cap Plate Slanted Surface Moisture Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rechargeable batteries face safety issues due to condensed moisture on the cap plate, which can lead to short circuits, especially when made of metal materials like aluminum, as moisture can accumulate and create an electrical path between the cap plate and terminals.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cap plate with slanted surfaces and a water-repellent coating to divert condensed moisture away from the terminals, along with strategically placed insulation members and avoiders to prevent moisture accumulation and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal cap plate is used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but moisture accumulation causes short circuit risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cap plate is designed with an asymmetric slanted surface instead of a symmetric flat surface. This asymmetry causes condensed moisture to naturally drain toward the lower edge away from the terminal, preventing accumulation at the terminal area while maintaining the metal cap plate's electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional flat cap plate surface to a three-dimensional slanted surface. This dimensional change creates a slope that enables gravitational drainage of moisture, adding a new functional dimension (moisture management) to the cap plate design without compromising its electrical conductivity.
2Reliability
If insulation members are added to prevent short circuits, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is merged with the cap plate structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The insulating member is positioned at the terminal area of the cap plate, combining structural support and electrical insulation functions into a single integrated element, thus improving safety without proportionally increasing 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 configuration effectively prevents moisture from reaching the terminals, reducing the risk of short circuits and improving the overall safety of the rechargeable battery by ensuring that any condensed water is easily discharged, thereby enhancing the battery's reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The slanted surface may be slanted toward a bottom of the cap plate
Implementation Method 2
A water-repellent coating process may be applied to the slanted surface of the cap plate
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case including a space receiving the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled with the case; and a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the terminal protruding outside of the cap plate, wherein a top of the cap plate has a slanted surface.