Cylindrical Battery Cover Assembly for Added Gas Storage Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing columnar secondary batteries have limited gas storage space, leading to undesirable pressure changes and potential early activation of the explosion-proof valve before reaching extreme conditions, reducing efficiency and safety.

Innovation Solution

Increase the gas storage space by creating a spacing between the cover assembly protrusion and the current collecting member, using a thickening part to elevate the current collecting member, and incorporate a pad and through holes for enhanced gas discharge and vibration support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the gas storage space is increased, then the battery can accommodate more gas and prevent premature pressure changes, but the internal space available for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas storage capacityVSAvoidavailable internal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion extends in the axial direction (first direction) from the cover assembly toward the electrode assembly, creating gas storage space by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding radially. This allows gas storage without increasing the battery's external diameter, effectively adding space in one dimension without compromising the overall compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion is nested within the opening of the housing, fitting into the existing structural space between the cover assembly and the electrode assembly. This nested configuration creates additional gas storage volume by utilizing previously unused space within the battery's existing envelope, rather than requiring additional external volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the spacing between the protrusion and the current collecting member is increased to create gas storage space, then gas exhaust is improved, but the structural stability and electrical connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas exhaust reliabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thickening part acts as an intermediary element between the protrusion and the current collecting member. It provides mechanical support to maintain the spacing required for gas storage while ensuring reliable electrical connection through the welding connection. The thickening part distributes stresses and prevents deformation that could compromise either gas storage or electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thickening part is located specifically at the position where structural support and electrical connection are most critical, rather than uniformly thickening the entire current collecting member. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary structural stability and electrical reliability only where needed, while maintaining the overall spacing for gas storage in other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the first current collecting member is elevated using a thickening part, then gas storage space is created, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas storage volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thickening part is integrated as an integral portion of the first current collecting member, combining the current collection function with the structural support function in a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate support structures or additional assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the increased functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thickening part modifies the geometric parameters of the current collecting member by increasing its thickness at a specific location. This parameter change creates the necessary gas storage spacing while maintaining the same basic component structure and material properties, avoiding the need for complex multi-component assemblies or specialized manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures smooth gas exhaust, prevents premature pressure changes, enhances safety by reducing vibration-induced defects, and maintains battery integrity during extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a thickening part is disposed on the first current collecting member and directly contacts the cover assembly, and the thickening part is welded to the cover assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support and spacing:

Implementation Method 2

a pad is disposed between the cover assembly and the first current collecting member... avoiding defects in the electrode assembly due to battery vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a through hole is disposed on the first current collecting member, and at least a part of the through hole is exposed by the pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow through opening:

Data Source

PatentEP4700880A1Secondary battery and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 AESC JAPAN LTD
  • EP4700880A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700880A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700880A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed are a secondary battery (100) and an electronic device (1000). The secondary battery (100) includes: a housing (110), having a peripheral sidewall (112) with one end defining an opening (113); an electrode assembly (130) accommodated in the housing (110); a cover assembly (140) covering the opening (113) and welded with the peripheral sidewall (112), having a protrusion (145) protruding toward the electrode assembly (130) for being inserted into the opening (113) and fitting against the peripheral sidewall (112); a first current collecting member (150) disposed between the cover assembly (140) and the electrode assembly (130), electrically connected to the cover assembly (140) and the electrode assembly (130), wherein, in a first direction (Z) from the electrode assembly (130) to the cover assembly (140), a spacing (119) at least partially used as a gas storage space is between the protrusion (145) and the first current collecting member (150).