Rechargeable Battery Cap Plate Short-Circuit and Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity rechargeable batteries are prone to explosion or fire due to overcurrent, which existing safety mechanisms fail to adequately prevent, especially in high-power applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring a short-circuit tab and member that contacts each other upon deformation, coupled with a valve member that opens at a predetermined pressure higher than the deformation pressure, to safely discharge excess current and prevent internal pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable plate is used to connect both electrodes upon pressure increase, then electrical connection is maintained under pressure, but safety against overcurrent and explosion is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cap plate is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a first region with a through-hole for pressure equalization and a second region with the short-circuit tab for safety protection. This segmentation allows the plate to simultaneously maintain electrical connection reliability while preventing overcurrent-induced explosions by separating the pressure relief function from the electrical connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The short-circuit tab acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the deformable plate and the electrodes. When internal pressure causes the plate to deform, the short-circuit tab contacts the short-circuit member to create a controlled short-circuit, preventing dangerous pressure buildup and potential explosion while the deformable plate maintains normal electrical connection during operation.
2Power
If internal pressure is allowed to build up to drive motors, then high power output is achieved, but explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole in the cap plate provides a preliminary pressure relief path that prevents dangerous pressure buildup before it can lead to explosion. This preliminary action allows the battery to achieve high power output for motor driving while simultaneously protecting against the harmful effect of pressure-induced explosion by providing advance pressure equalization.
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 solution effectively prevents explosions and fires by ensuring safe discharge of excess current and maintaining internal pressure within safe limits, enhancing the safety of high-capacity rechargeable batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The short-circuit member and the short-circuit tab are formed to contact each other when the short-circuit member is deformed into the second shape
Implementation Method 2
The valve member may be set to be opened at a predetermined pressure and the opening pressure of the valve member may be set to be higher than a deformation pressure of the short-circuit member
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention, there is provided a rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case in which the electrode assembly is installed; and a cap plate coupled with the case. A short-circuit member is provided in a short-circuit hole formed in the cap plate. The short-circuit member is electrically connected to one of the electrodes. Further, a valve member is provided under the short-circuit hole.