Battery CTR Short-Circuit Structure for High-Temperature Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries are prone to safety issues such as ignition or explosion when exposed to high temperatures, and existing solutions require external semiconductor circuits that may not fit within the limited internal space of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A battery design incorporating a critical temperature resistor (CTR) on each electrode tab that short-circuits the battery current when the temperature reaches a critical point, using a metal layer and CTRs to form a conductive path, preventing overheating and potential explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a semiconductor circuit is used to short-circuit battery current when temperature rises, then battery safety is improved, but the internal space of the electronic device is increased due to the need for external circuit placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the semiconductor circuit with the battery structure by integrating it into the battery case. The circuit is positioned to overlap with the electrode assembly in plan view, allowing the battery case to serve dual functions: containing the electrode assembly and housing the temperature monitoring and short-circuit protection circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external circuits, thereby reducing the overall internal space required while maintaining battery safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to resolve the space conflict. The semiconductor circuit is arranged in the thickness direction of the battery, overlapping with the electrode assembly when viewed from above. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both the electrode assembly and the protection circuit to coexist within the same footprint area, effectively using vertical space to reduce horizontal space requirements and maintain compact device dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery is exposed to high temperature, then the risk of ignition or explosion increases, but short-circuiting the current can prevent these safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating a temperature sensor and control circuit that continuously monitor battery temperature before dangerous conditions develop. When the temperature approaches critical levels, the circuit proactively activates the short-circuit protection mechanism to divert current, preventing the battery from reaching ignition or explosion temperatures. This preemptive approach addresses the harmful effects before they manifest, maintaining safety while managing temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high temperature into a beneficial safety mechanism. The temperature sensor detects elevated temperatures and triggers the short-circuit protection circuit, which then uses the thermal condition itself as the activation signal for protection. The harmful high temperature condition becomes the very condition that activates the protective response, transforming a dangerous situation into a controlled safety event that prevents ignition or explosion.
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 solution effectively stabilizes the battery voltage and prevents overheating by short-circuiting the current, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of ignition or explosion in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first critical temperature resistor (CTR) disposed on the first electrode tab and a second CTR disposed on the second electrode tab
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments, a battery comprises: a case comprising an internal space and a metal layer; and an electrode assembly at least partially disposed in the internal space, the electrode assembly comprising a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab; a first critical temperature resistor (CTR) disposed on the first electrode tab and a second CTR disposed in on the second electrode tab, wherein the first CTR and the second CTR overlap an edge of the case, wherein at least one of the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are configured to be electrically connected to an external component, thereby forming a first conductive path between the electrode assembly and the external component, and wherein the first CTR and the second CTR are electrically connected to the metal layer.