Battery Cell Cover Assembly Channels for Thermal Runaway Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cells face safety issues due to the accumulation of gas during thermal runaway, which can lead to explosions and fires, as the pressure relief mechanisms on the casing are ineffective in timely release of high-temperature and high-pressure substances.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design featuring a cover assembly with a recessed portion and channels that allow gas to be introduced into the space between the electrode assembly and casing, activating the pressure relief mechanism to rapidly release these substances, thereby reducing the risk of explosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the casing, then the battery cell can release internal pressure when it reaches a threshold value, but the pressure relief mechanism is ineffective in timely release of high-temperature and high-pressure substances during thermal runaway

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief effectivenessVSAvoidresponse speed of pressure relief

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-arranges communication channels (first channels) between the first recessed portion and the space between the electrode assembly and casing before thermal runaway occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when thermal runaway happens, gas can immediately flow through the established channel to activate the pressure relief mechanism, eliminating the delay caused by needing to create new pathways during the emergency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the first recessed portion and first channels as intermediary structures that mediate between the tab portion accommodation space and the pressure relief mechanism. These intermediaries provide a dedicated gas flow pathway that connects the accumulation zone to the release mechanism, ensuring reliable and timely activation of pressure relief during thermal runaway events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If gas accumulates between the electrode assembly and cover assembly during thermal runaway, then the pressure increases rapidly, but this leads to explosion risk at the cover assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas accumulationVSAvoidexplosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful gas accumulation from the cover assembly area by providing first channels that conduct gas away from the first recessed portion (where it would accumulate and cause explosion) to the space between the electrode assembly and casing. This extraction of gas from the dangerous location eliminates the explosion hazard while maintaining the necessary structural functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of gas accumulation into a beneficial pressure activation mechanism. By directing gas through first channels to a controlled space, the accumulated gas pressure is transformed into a useful force that activates the pressure relief mechanism, turning a potentially explosive situation into a controlled safety release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively lowers the increasing rate of air pressure and reduces gas accumulation, improving safety by ensuring timely release of high-temperature and high-pressure substances, thus enhancing the stability and safety performance of the battery cell.

Implementation Method 1

the cover assembly is provided with at least one first channel for communicating the space between the electrode assembly and the casing with the first recessed portion, so as to introduce the gas in the first recessed portion into the space between the electrode assembly and the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through channel:

Implementation Method 2

a casing having an opening and provided with a pressure relief mechanism which is actuated to relieve an internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250343320A1Battery cell including pressure relief structure and cover aseembly having first recessed portion, manufacturing method and manufacturing system therefor, battery and electric device

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED

AI summary

The application provides a battery cell, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing system therefor, a battery and an electric device. The battery cell in one embodiment of the application includes a casing having an opening and provided with a pressure relief mechanism which is actuated to relieve an internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold value; an electrode assembly accommodated in the casing, and including a body portion and a tab portion protruding therefrom; and a cover assembly for covering the opening. A first recessed portion is formed on one side, abutting against the body portion and facing the electrode assembly, of the cover assembly. The cover assembly is provided with at least one first channel. The first channel can reduce the gas accumulated between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly, thereby reducing the safety risk.