Secondary Battery Cap Plate Protrusion Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in securely coupling the electrode terminal to the cap plate, which can lead to electrolyte leakage and reduced mechanical strength, affecting the battery's reliability and performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cap plate with a protrusion that extends through a gasket and collector, providing a secure mechanical and electrical isolation between the cap plate and collector, enhanced by a rivet part and washer configuration, to improve coupling force and prevent electrolyte leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode terminal is directly coupled to the cap plate, then the electrical connection is simple, but the mechanical strength and sealing are insufficient leading to electrolyte leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is nested within the protrusion structure of the cap plate, creating a layered configuration where the gasket is positioned between the cap plate and collector. This nested arrangement provides sealing functionality without requiring a completely separate coupling mechanism, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as an intermediary element between the electrode terminal assembly and the cap plate. It provides the sealing function that prevents electrolyte leakage, mediating the connection between components and solving the sealing issue without requiring direct metal-to-metal contact that would compromise reliability.
2Strength
If a secure coupling mechanism is added, then the mechanical strength and sealing are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap plate features a localized protrusion structure at the specific location where coupling is needed. This protrusion provides enhanced mechanical strength and coupling force precisely where required, rather than requiring a completely different complex coupling mechanism for the entire assembly. The local modification approach improves strength while minimizing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling function is segmented into distinct functional elements: the protrusion provides mechanical strength and positioning, while the gasket provides sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving strong coupling without requiring a single overly complex integrated component.
3Reliability
If the cap plate directly contacts the collector, then the structure is simple, but electrical insulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket serves as an electrical insulator and intermediary between the cap plate and collector. It prevents direct electrical contact between these components, providing the necessary electrical insulation for safety and proper battery operation. This intermediary approach solves the insulation problem without requiring a complex multi-layer isolation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent electrolyte leakage, electrical insulation to prevent short circuits, and mechanical support for the electrode terminal assembly. This multi-functionality achieves reliable electrical insulation without adding dedicated isolation structures, thus controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a battery includes a cap plate, the cap plate having an opening penetrating therethrough and having at least a first protrusion extending from a first side, an electrode terminal extending through the opening in the cap plate, a collector extending from the electrode terminal, and a gasket interposed between a portion of the electrode terminal and the first side of the cap plate, the first protrusion extending through the gasket and the collector.