Battery Case Composite Moisture Absorbent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cases for electric vehicles have limitations in terms of moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and manufacturing complexity, requiring costly and time-consuming processes for assembly and shape customization, which hinders the development of efficient and cost-effective battery modules with improved performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery case is developed using a composite material comprising a polymer matrix, an inorganic moisture absorbent, and a compatibilizer, which promotes compatibility between the polymer and absorbent, allowing for improved moisture transmission resistivity and mechanical properties, such as impact strength, while enabling easy fabrication into desired shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a polymer-based battery case is used, then manufacturing cost and fabrication ease are improved, but moisture transmission resistivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer matrix with inorganic moisture absorbent particles (such as silica gel, zeolite, or clay) to create a composite material that maintains the ease of polymer fabrication while adding moisture absorption capabilities. The inorganic particles are dispersed throughout the polymer matrix to form a composite structure that addresses both manufacturing ease and moisture resistance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical and physical properties of the polymer material through additive incorporation. By changing the composition parameters (adding inorganic moisture absorbents in specific weight ratios, typically 1-50 parts per 100 parts polymer) and processing parameters (mixing methods, curing conditions), the material achieves enhanced moisture transmission resistivity while maintaining manufacturability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inorganic moisture absorbent is added to polymer matrix, then moisture transmission resistivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of inorganic moisture absorbent within specific ranges (1-50 parts per 100 parts polymer) to balance moisture resistance and mechanical strength. By controlling the weight ratio and distribution density of inorganic particles, the material achieves sufficient moisture absorption capacity while maintaining adequate structural integrity for battery case applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous inorganic materials (such as porous silica gel, zeolite, or clay with controlled pore structures) that provide moisture absorption pathways through their porous structures. These porous materials absorb moisture via capillary action and adsorption mechanisms within their pore networks, effectively blocking moisture transmission without requiring high concentrations that would compromise mechanical strength.
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 provides a battery case with enhanced moisture transmission resistivity and mechanical properties comparable to metal-based cases, facilitating the production of lightweight, cost-effective battery modules with improved energy efficiency and reduced manufacturing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inorganic moisture absorbent dispersed in the polymer matrix
Implementation Method 2
a compatibilizer to promote compatibility between the polymer matrix and the inorganic moisture absorbent
Data Source
AI summary
A battery case including a container configured to house an electrode assembly, wherein the container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, the bottom wall and the side walls integrated to define a space for housing the electrode assembly and an open side opposed to the bottom wall, the container includes a composite including a polymer matrix, an inorganic moisture absorbent dispersed in the base polymer, and a compatibilizer to promote compatibility between the polymer matrix and the inorganic moisture absorbent, the compatibilizer is included in an amount of less than about 3 wt % based on a total weight of the composite, at least one of the bottom wall and the side walls at a thickness of 1 millimeter has a water vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.07 g/m2/day, when measured at 38° C. and a relative humidity of 100%.