Battery Electrode Assembly With Capillary Electrolyte Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery cells face reduced service life due to electrolyte consumption over time, as the available electrolyte in the battery cell is depleted, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a capillary element within the electrode assembly that is oriented downwards, allowing electrolyte to accumulate and be transferred back into the space between electrodes using capillary forces, ensuring a consistent supply and enhancing the service life of the battery cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolyte is allowed to accumulate in the lower portion of the battery cell due to gravity, then electrolyte availability in the electrode space is improved, but electrolyte distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary element acts as an intermediary component between the electrolyte reservoir and the electrode assembly. It mediates the electrolyte transfer process by using capillary forces to draw electrolyte from the lower accumulation zone into the electrode space, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring electrolyte availability and maintaining distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces active pumping mechanisms with passive capillary forces. The capillary element automatically transports electrolyte against gravity without requiring external energy input or mechanical systems, achieving both electrolyte replenishment and uniform distribution through the inherent physical property of capillary action.
2Quantity of substance
If a capillary element is added to transfer electrolyte, then electrolyte replenishment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the electrolyte transfer medium and a structural component of the electrode assembly. By integrating the capillary function into the existing assembly structure rather than adding a separate complex system, the invention achieves electrolyte replenishment while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary element utilizes porous material properties to achieve electrolyte transport through capillary forces. This approach simplifies the device structure compared to mechanical pumping systems, as the porous material inherently provides the necessary transport function without requiring additional moving parts, controls, or energy input systems.
3Productivity
If capillary forces are used to transfer electrolyte against gravity, then electrolyte transfer efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary element enables the electrolyte transfer system to be self-service, automatically replenishing electrolyte without external energy input. The capillary forces inherent in the porous material structure provide the necessary transfer efficiency while consuming no additional energy beyond what is already present in the system, effectively resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and energy consumption.
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 capillary element effectively replenishes electrolyte, prolonging the service life of the battery cell by utilizing gravity-assisted capillary forces to maintain electrolyte levels between electrodes, thus maintaining efficient operation without additional energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the capillary element is configured to contact such an accumulation of electrolyte. Consequently, using capillary forces of the capillary element, electrolyte may be transferred into the space defined between the first electrode main body and the second electrode main body
Implementation Method 2
electrolyte may accumulate in a lower portion of the battery cell due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrode assembly for a battery cell of a vehicle. The electrode assembly comprises a first electrode with a first electrode main body and a first connection terminal protruding from the first electrode main body. The electrode assembly further comprises a second electrode with a second electrode main body and a second connection terminal protruding from the second electrode main body. Moreover, the electrode assembly comprises a capillary element being at least partially arranged outside a space defined between the first electrode main body and the second electrode main body. The capillary element is fluidically connected to the space defined between the first electrode main body and the second electrode main body. The capillary element is oriented downwards in an operational state of the electrode assembly.