Battery Lower Plastic Assembly for Uniform Electrolyte Reflux

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Solution Overview

Problem

Energy-storage devices experience uneven electrolyte distribution over time due to differential decomposition rates, leading to inefficiencies and potential gas accumulation, which affects their performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

The energy-storage device incorporates a lower plastic assembly with strategically designed first and second distribution channels within the reflux tank, ensuring greater fluid flow capacity to the middle region where electrolyte decomposition is higher, thereby maintaining even electrolyte distribution and preventing gas accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the energy-storage device is charged and discharged cyclically or stored for a long time, then the electrochemical reaction converts chemical energy into electrical energy, but the electrolyte gradually decomposes and produces gas, leading to uneven electrolyte distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage timeVSAvoidelectrolyte distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution member is divided into multiple channels (first distribution channel and second distribution channel) with different fluid flow capacities. This segmentation allows differential electrolyte distribution to different regions of the electrode assembly, compensating for the uneven decomposition rates and maintaining uniform electrolyte distribution over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different channels are designed with different fluid flow capacities to match the local decomposition characteristics of the electrode assembly. The first distribution channel has greater fluid flow capacity to supply regions with higher decomposition rates, while the second distribution channel supplies regions with lower decomposition rates, achieving localized quality optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If the electrolyte decomposes and produces gas during cyclic charging and discharging, then electrical energy is generated, but gas accumulation occurs affecting device performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidgas accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution member acts as an intermediary structure that not only distributes electrolyte but also provides pathways for gas to escape. The multiple channels with different fluid flow capacities allow gas generated during electrochemical reactions to be vented efficiently, preventing gas accumulation while maintaining power density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures even electrolyte distribution and prevents gas accumulation, enhancing the performance and longevity of the energy-storage device by optimizing fluid flow and distribution within the device.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the distribution members is provided with a reflux tank in communication with the accommodating cavity, and the reflux tank is configured to collect fluid flowing out from the accommodating cavity and distribute the fluid into the accommodating cavity to immerse the electrode assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

Each reflux tank defines a first distribution channel and a second distribution channel in a length direction of the lower plastic assembly, the first distribution channel is located between the second distribution channel and a central axis of the lower plastic assembly, and fluid flow capacity of the first distribution channel is greater than fluid flow capacity of the second distribution channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow capacity distribution:

Implementation Method 3

An electrochemical reaction can occur between the electrode assembly and the electrolyte to covert chemical energy into electrical energy, so that the energy-storage device can output electric energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP4415120A1Energy-storage device and electricity-comsumption device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 HITHIUM TECH HK LTD
  • EP4415120A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4415120A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4415120A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an energy-storage device and an electricity-consumption device. The energy-storage device includes a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap assembly, and a lower plastic assembly. The housing has an opening and is provided with an accommodating cavity in communication with the opening, and the accommodating cavity is configured to store fluid and accommodate the electrode assembly. The end cap assembly covers the opening. The lower plastic assembly includes a cover plate and two distribution members that are arranged in a width direction of the lower plastic assembly and connected to the cover plate. Each of the distribution members is provided with a reflux tank, and the reflux tank is configured to collect fluid flowing out from the accommodating cavity and distribute fluid into the accommodating cavity. Each reflux tank defines a first distribution channel and a second distribution channel in a length direction of the lower plastic assembly. The first distribution channel is located between the second distribution channel and a central axis of the lower plastic assembly, and fluid flow capacity of the first distribution channel is greater than fluid flow capacity of the second distribution channel, so that electrolyte flowing back to a region of the accommodating cavity close to the central axis is more than electrolyte flowing back to an edge region of the accommodating cavity in the length direction of the lower plastic assembly.