Battery Cell Venting Structure for Protected Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batteries have poor safety due to inadequate pressure relief mechanisms, which can lead to explosions and fires when internal pressure reaches the explosion-initiating pressure.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design that includes an electrode assembly, a case with a first pressure-relief area, and an insulating member with a second pressure-relief area. The insulating member is positioned between the electrode assembly and the wall portion with the first pressure-relief area, and both pressure-relief areas are configured to open when the battery cell releases pressure, ensuring safe pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure-relief area is directly exposed to the electrode assembly, then the pressure relief function is improved, but the electrode assembly is scoured by electrolyte which influences the explosion-initiating pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary component between the electrode assembly and the pressure-relief area. This insulating member includes a pressure-relief area that can open under pressure to allow gas escape, while its insulating properties prevent electrolyte from directly contacting and scouring the electrode assembly, thus maintaining the explosion-initiating pressure integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulating member completely blocks the pressure-relief area, then the electrode assembly is protected from electrolyte scouring, but the pressure relief function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member's pressure-relief area is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Under normal conditions, the insulating member maintains its structural integrity to protect the electrode assembly. However, when internal pressure exceeds the explosion-initiating pressure, the pressure-relief area of the insulating member opens to allow pressure relief, thus adapting its state based on operational conditions.
3Strength
If the pressure-relief area opening is small, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the pressure release is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is designed with differentiated local properties: the majority of the insulating member maintains sufficient thickness and structural integrity to protect the electrode assembly and maintain mechanical strength, while the pressure-relief area specifically is designed with reduced thickness or pre-formed scoring to enable smooth opening and efficient pressure release when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell comprises an electrode assembly, a case and an insulating member. The case is used for accommodating the electrode assembly and has a wall portion arranged opposite the electrode assembly in a first direction, the wall portion being provided with a first pressure-relief area. In the first direction, the insulating member is at least partially arranged between the electrode assembly and the wall portion to insulate and isolate the electrode assembly from the wall portion. The insulating member is provided with a second pressure-relief area at the position corresponding to the first pressure-relief area, and the first pressure-relief area and the second pressure-relief area are configured to be open when the battery cell releases pressure.