Battery Cell Venting With Electrolyte Replenishment Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cells face issues with sudden malfunctions and reduced lifetimes due to internal pressure buildup and electrolyte depletion.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell design includes a case with an electrode assembly, a cap plate that seals the case, a vent member for pressure relief, and an electrolyte accommodation member that ruptures to replenish electrolyte when internal pressure exceeds a certain value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery cell uses a sealed case structure, then it maintains good sealing performance and prevents leakage, but internal pressure builds up leading to sudden malfunction and reduced lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The vent member is divided into multiple functional segments: a vent hole for gas discharge, an inclined vent portion for electrolyte flow, and a blocking member for pressure control. This segmentation allows the single vent member to simultaneously provide pressure relief, electrolyte replenishment, and sealed operation, resolving the contradiction between sealing performance and internal pressure stability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery cell operates for extended periods, then it provides sustained power output, but electrolyte depletes leading to reduced lifetime and sudden malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte accommodation member is configured to automatically replenish electrolyte when the level drops. The inclined vent portion allows electrolyte to flow from the accommodation member to the electrode assembly when the blocking member moves due to pressure changes, enabling the battery cell to self-regulate electrolyte quantity without external intervention and extend operational duration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the battery cell allows gas discharge through a vent, then it prevents internal pressure buildup, but it may cause electrolyte loss and reduce lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The vent member features an inclined vent portion with specific geometric properties that create a pressure differential. This local structural quality allows gas to escape through the vent hole while the inclination angle and positioning prevent electrolyte from following the gas out, thus achieving pressure stabilization without electrolyte loss.
4Ease of manufacture
If the battery cell uses a simple vent structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot simultaneously achieve pressure relief and electrolyte replenishment functions
Solution Approach 1:
The vent member is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates: (1) vent hole for gas discharge, (2) inclined vent portion for electrolyte flow control, and (3) blocking member for pressure-activated operation. This universal design allows a single component to perform pressure relief, electrolyte replenishment, and sealed operation, achieving high functional versatility without requiring multiple separate parts.
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 prevents sudden malfunctions by allowing gas discharge and extends the battery cell's lifetime by automatically replenishing the electrolyte, thereby enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte accommodation member which is disposed in the case, communicates with the vent member, accommodates an electrolyte, and is ruptured when an internal pressure of the case is greater than a first pressure value
Implementation Method 2
When the internal pressure of the case is greater than a second pressure value, the blocking member may be ruptured so that a ruptured hole is formed in the blocking member
Implementation Method 3
a sealing member which is disposed in the vent member and moves to allow communication between the vent member and the inside of the case by an increase in the internal pressure of the case
Implementation Method 4
The electrolyte accommodation member may include an electrolyte accommodation membrane which is in contact with the electrolyte and moves toward the cap plate when the internal pressure of the case is greater than atmospheric pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery cell (200) and is directed to providing a battery cell (200) of which sudden malfunction is prevented and a lifetime is extended, and a battery module including the same. A battery cell (200) according to the present disclosure includes a case (210) which accommodates an electrode assembly (10), a cap plate (220) which is disposed on the case (210) and seals the case (210), a vent member (230) which is provided in the cap plate (220) and communicates with an inside of the case (210), and an electrolyte accommodation member (240) which is disposed in the case (210), communicates with the vent member (230), accommodates an electrolyte (242), and is ruptured when an internal pressure of the case (210) is greater than a first pressure value.