Battery Case Worked Portion for Valve Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in the strength of the battery case can lead to stress concentration on the valve due to internal pressure from gas production, which may cause uneven stress distribution and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
The battery case design includes a worked portion formed along the outer shapes of the injection portion and cap, positioned symmetrically with respect to the valve, to distribute stress evenly and prevent concentration on the valve, using a break-type valve that irreversibly opens when internal pressure is reached, and a cap with a rubber seal to prevent electrolyte leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the injection port and valve are formed in the battery case without symmetrical structure, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the strength of the battery case varies and stress concentrates on the valve portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry principle by creating a worked portion with asymmetric shape that compensates for the asymmetric arrangement of injection port and valve. The worked portion is formed with a specific shape that is not symmetrical, but it creates a symmetrical strength distribution when combined with the asymmetric components, thereby resolving the stress concentration issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The worked portion is formed in advance during the battery case manufacturing process, before the valve and injection port are assembled. This preliminary action of creating the worked portion with enhanced strength characteristics ensures that the structural reinforcement is already in place to prevent stress concentration, rather than attempting to fix the issue after assembly
2Ease of operation
If the valve is positioned off-center in the battery case, then the injection port can be conveniently located, but stress concentrates on the valve when internal pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principle by creating a worked portion with enhanced strength characteristics at a specific location in the battery case. This local reinforcement is positioned to compensate for the asymmetric placement of the valve and injection port, providing targeted structural support where needed without requiring overall redesign of the battery case or relocation of components
3Ease of manufacture
If no worked portion is formed in the battery case, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but stress concentrates on the valve causing potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The worked portion is formed during the battery case manufacturing process, integrating the stress distribution function into the base manufacturing steps. This preliminary action ensures that the structural reinforcement is built-in from the start, avoiding the need for additional assembly steps or separate reinforcement components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving strength
Solution Approach 2:
The formation of the worked portion is merged with the existing battery case manufacturing process. The worked portion is created as an integrated feature of the battery case itself rather than as a separate component, combining the structural reinforcement function with the base manufacturing operations to maintain simplicity
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 variations in the strength of the case around the valve, preventing stress concentration and ensuring efficient gas discharge without leaks, thus enhancing the structural integrity and reliability of the battery.
Implementation Method 1
The cap can be formed of a cap body fixed to the injection portion and a rubber placed between the cap body and the injection portion. With the use of the rubber, elastic deformation of the rubber can bring the rubber into intimate contact with the injection portion to easily prevent any leak of the electrolytic solution from the injection portion.
Implementation Method 2
When the internal pressure of the battery case reaches the operation pressure of the valve due to the production of the gas, the valve changes from a closed state to an open state to allow the discharge of the gas.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric storage apparatus has an electric-generating element performing charge and discharge and a case accommodating the electric-generating element and an electrolytic solution. The case has an injection portion, a cap, a worked portion, and a valve. The injection portion is used for injecting the electrolytic solution into the case. The cap closes the injection portion. The worked portion is formed along the outer shapes of the injection portion and the cap by working the wall face of the case. The valve is used for discharging gas produced within the case to the outside of the case and is provided between the injection portion and the worked portion.