Battery Case Sealing Structure to Limit Gasket Welding Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

The gasket in the sealing body of an electricity storage device deteriorates due to heat during welding of the first collector member to the case rim, compromising the sealing integrity.

Innovation Solution

The electricity storage device design includes a case with a crimp part located outward from the opening rim and a recessed groove part, where the sealing plate is conductive and the gasket is insulating, preventing direct contact between the opening rim and the gasket, thereby minimizing heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a coin cell battery is used for small electricity storage, then the device size is small, but the output current is insufficient and voltage drops under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery sizeVSAvoidoutput current
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple coin cell batteries connected in parallel. Each coin cell maintains its small size while the parallel connection aggregates current capacity, resolving the contradiction between small volume and sufficient output current. The patent specifically uses multiple CR2032 or similar coin cells arranged in parallel to achieve both compact form factor and adequate power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If Ni-Cd or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are used, then rechargeability is achieved, but memory effect and self-discharge reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverechargeabilityVSAvoidbattery performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable lithium-based coin cell batteries (CR2032, CR2025, or similar) instead of rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries. Although these are non-rechargeable, they provide stable voltage without memory effect or self-discharge issues. The system compensates for the non-rechargeable nature through a boost converter that can charge the battery pack from external power sources, achieving practical rechargeability while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the battery voltage decreases during discharge, then energy is depleted, but voltage fluctuation causes unstable LED operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a boost converter circuit that dynamically changes electrical parameters to maintain stable LED operation. The boost converter converts the varying battery voltage into a stable higher voltage suitable for LEDs, ensuring consistent brightness throughout the discharge cycle. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between maximizing discharge capacity and maintaining voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The boost converter incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the battery voltage and adjust the conversion ratio accordingly. This feedback system ensures that despite voltage fluctuations during discharge, the LED receives stable voltage, resolving the contradiction between discharge capacity and voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Stability of the object's composition

If LED forward voltage requirements are met, then LED operation is stable, but battery selection becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED operation stabilityVSAvoidbattery type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal battery holder and boost converter system that can accommodate multiple coin cell battery types (CR2032, CR2025, CR2016, and similar). The boost converter's wide input voltage range and adjustable parameters enable it to work with various battery chemistries and voltage levels, ensuring stable LED operation across different battery selections. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between LED stability and battery compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design suppresses gasket deterioration, maintaining sealing integrity and enhancing the durability of the electricity storage device.

Implementation Method 1

a boost converter circuit which converts voltage from a battery pack into voltage suitable for operation of the LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4113706B1Electricity storage device
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4113706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4113706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4113706B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An electricity storage device includes: an electrode group including first and second electrodes; a case accommodating the electrode group therein, the case having an opening provided therein; and a sealing body covering the opening of the case. The case includes a tubular part, a curved part connected to one end of the tubular part, and a bottom part closing another end of the tubular part. The curved part includes an opening rim, a crimp part connected to the opening rim, and a groove part connected to the crimp part, the crimp part being located outward from the opening rim along a radial direction of the tubular part, the groove part being recessed to protrude inward in the radial direction of the tubular part and having an annular shape. The sealing body includes: a sealing plate having conductivity; and a gasket having electric insulation, the gasket being compressed between the sealing plate and a portion of the crimp part facing the groove part and between the sealing plate and an inner surface of the groove part. The case is electrically connected to the first electrode. The sealing plate is electrically connected to the second electrode. The opening rim does not contact the gasket.