Battery Cell Column Structure for Lithium Replenishment and Fire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-cell batteries face issues such as inability for secondary lithium ion replenishment, short battery life, severe attenuation, and lack of effective gas exhaust mechanisms, which compromise safety due to limited explosion-proof valves.
Innovation Solution
A battery design featuring a column with separate cavities for lithium-replenishing and fire-fighting media, each with pressure-activated membranes to release these media into the inner cavity when specific pressures are reached, ensuring lithium replenishment and fire extinguishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If single-cell batteries are used without secondary replenishment capability, then the battery structure is simple, but the battery life is short and attenuation is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a column containing lithium-replenishing medium and fire-fighting medium inside the battery's inner cavity, nesting functional components within the existing battery structure. This allows secondary lithium replenishment capability to be added without fundamentally redesigning the battery, thereby extending battery life while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lithium-replenishing medium and fire-fighting medium are pre-stored in the column before battery operation. When lithium ions deplete or thermal runaway occurs, these pre-positioned materials automatically release to replenish lithium ions or suppress combustion, eliminating the need for external intervention and extending functional duration.
2Reliability
If explosion-proof valves are not provided due to limited conditions, then the battery structure is compact, but gas exhaust capability is insufficient and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system performs its own safety functions through the column containing fire-fighting medium and lithium-replenishing medium. When thermal runaway or gas accumulation occurs, the system automatically releases these materials to suppress combustion and manage gas pressure, eliminating the need for separate explosion-proof valves and achieving self-service safety protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The column serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to prevent wound core collapse, stores lithium-replenishing medium for extending battery life, and contains fire-fighting medium for thermal runaway suppression. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive safety without adding separate dedicated safety devices.
3Ease of operation
If membranes are designed to break at specific pressures, then controlled release of media is achieved, but the membrane strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs membranes with different burst pressure parameters - the first membrane breaks at a lower first pressure to release lithium-replenishing medium, while the second membrane breaks at a higher second pressure to release fire-fighting medium. This parameter differentiation enables controlled, sequential media release based on battery condition severity, optimizing both ease of operation and structural requirements.
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 addresses short battery life and enhances safety by enabling secondary lithium replenishment and effective fire control, ensuring stability and safety under thermal stress or rapid gas production.
Implementation Method 1
a first membrane configured to block the first hole, the first membrane being configured to break when subjected to a first pressure, allowing the lithium-replenishing medium in the first cavity to flow into the inner cavity through the first hole
Implementation Method 2
a second membrane configured to block the second hole, the second membrane being configured to break when subjected to a second pressure, allowing the fire-fighting medium in the second cavity to flow into the inner cavity through the second hole
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes a shell having an inner cavity; a wound core assembled in the inner cavity of the shell; a column supported in the wound core, wherein the column includes a first cavity for storing a lithium-replenishing medium and a second cavity for storing a fire-fighting medium, a cavity wall of the first cavity having a first hole, and a cavity wall of the second cavity having a second hole; a first membrane configured to block the first hole, and configured to break when subjected to a first pressure, allowing the lithium-replenishing medium in the first cavity to flow into the inner cavity; and a second membrane configured to block the second hole, and configured to break when subjected to a second pressure, allowing the fire-fighting medium in the second cavity to flow into the inner cavity, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure.