Battery Cell Case Hemming Structure for Corrosion-Resistant Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cases are prone to corrosion at cut surfaces due to exposure, which affects safety, handling, sealing, and the overall life of the battery cell.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design featuring a recessed portion, bent portion, and hemming portion in the case structure, combined with a cap assembly, to prevent corrosion and enhance sealing, using nickel-plated steel sheets and a gasket for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the case is cut to have a predetermined height, then the open end becomes a smooth shape, but the cut surface is exposed and not nickel-plated, leading to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth open end shapeVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a protective film or coating on the cut surface of the case to prevent corrosion. The nickel-plated steel sheet case is covered with an additional protective layer that seals the exposed cut surface, creating a barrier against environmental factors while maintaining the smooth shape achieved by cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If only deep drawing operation is performed, then the case is formed efficiently, but the open end has an irregular shape requiring additional cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase forming efficiencyVSAvoidopen end regularity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the cutting operation to create a smooth open end shape before the deep drawing operation. By pre-cutting the nickel-plated steel sheet to the desired height and shape, the subsequent deep drawing process can proceed efficiently without requiring additional trimming or finishing operations on the open end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the case structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but corrosion protection and sealing are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcorrosion and sealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite construction by combining nickel-plated steel sheet with additional protective coatings and sealing elements. The case structure integrates multiple materials - the base nickel-plated steel provides structural strength, while additional protective layers and sealants provide corrosion resistance and sealing, achieving enhanced protection without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 design effectively prevents corrosion, ensures safe handling, improves the fixation of the case and cap assembly, and enhances the sealing integrity, thereby extending the battery's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

since the cut surface exposed by cutting the case is not nickel-plated, the steel sheet may be exposed to air as it. As a result, corrosion of the case can proceed through the exposed cut surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion prevention: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Generally, cases are made using nickel-plated steel sheets to prevent corrosion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentEP4641724A1Battery cell and manufacturing method of the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4641724A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641724A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641724A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case having a first opening at one end and forming a space in which the electrode assembly is accommodated through the first opening; and a cap assembly coupled with the case to form the space together with the case and closing the first opening.