Battery Container Sealing Method Using Riveted Plug

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sealing electrolyte filling ports in accumulator containers are complex, requiring multiple parts and steps, and often suffer from reliability issues due to wear and aging of additional sealing components.

Innovation Solution

A method using a cap with a tube and nail, where the nail's head expands the tube against the container wall, creating a secure seal without additional parts, utilizing a riveter to exert traction and ensure the tube expands to fill the space between the orifice and the tube, with the nail breaking at a weakened zone to prevent protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple parts and assembly steps are used to seal the filling port, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts and assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing components (cap, sealing ring, and fixing mechanism) into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes an integrated sealing ring and a deformation zone that allows the cap itself to serve as the fixing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing function through the integrated sealing ring, and it provides the fixing function through its deformation zone that allows it to be crimped onto the container neck. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional sealing parts are used, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring is integrated directly into the cap structure, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of the sealing component. The cap is manufactured as a single piece with the sealing ring already in place, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring consistent sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a simple sealing structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to wear and aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsealing reliability against wear and aging
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is made from a polymer material that combines the properties of structural integrity and sealing flexibility. The material is designed to be resistant to wear and aging while allowing the deformation zone to be crimped for secure fixing. This composite material approach ensures long-term sealing reliability without requiring complex multi-material construction.

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

This method provides a reliable, simple, and leak-tight seal for electrolyte filling ports, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, and ensuring long-term sealing efficacy without excessive deformation or stress on the cap.

Implementation Method 1

activate the riveter so as to exert traction on the shank of the nail, the nose of the riveter holding the tube inside the orifice, and this in such a way as to: cause the tube to expand against the wall of the orifice by the entry and progression of the head of the nail in the tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical expansion: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3021383B1Method for sealing an opening of a battery container and container sealed by said method
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 SAFT GRP SA
  • EP3021383B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3021383B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3021383B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for hermetically sealing, by means of a plug (20), a filling orifice (12) formed on a wall (11) of a container (1), said method comprising the steps of: - inserting the plug (20) into the orifice (12), - positioning the nose (50) of the riveting tool against the upper face (34) of the collar (33) of the plug (20), - actuating the riveting tool so as to exert traction on the shank (41) of the nail (40). The invention also relates to a battery container (1) equipped with an electrolyte filling orifice, made watertight by means of the method.