Battery Feedthrough Seal Using Moisture-Activated Activator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy storage devices face challenges in creating a reliable seal between the device case and feedthrough pins, particularly in withstanding corrosive electrolytes and ensuring the seal's integrity during fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A sealant and seal activator system is used, where the seal activator increases the pressure of the sealant to form a hermetic seal between the feedthrough pin and the device case, utilizing a header assembly with insulating members and connectors to ensure the seal's integrity and practicality for large-scale fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealant is used to seal between the feedthrough pin and device case, then the seal integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal activator automatically expands upon contact with moisture from the electrolyte to generate sealing pressure, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The sealant and activator are pre-positioned in recesses, and the sealing action is self-triggered during device operation when electrolyte is introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal activator serves as an intermediary component between the sealant and the electrolyte. It receives the electrolyte, expands in response, and transfers this expansion force to the sealant, which then applies pressure to create the hermetic seal between the feedthrough pin and device case.
2Reliability
If the sealant applies high pressure to form a hermetic seal, then the seal reliability is improved, but the risk of damaging components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal activator undergoes a parameter change (expansion) when exposed to moisture from the electrolyte. This expansion ratio allows the activator to generate sufficient sealing pressure while its gradual expansion process prevents sudden force spikes that could damage components. The recess design further controls the pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure in which the sealant and seal activator are positioned serves as a cushioning mechanism. It absorbs and distributes the expansion forces generated by the seal activator, preventing concentrated stress on the feedthrough pin or device case, and ensuring the pressure is applied uniformly to achieve sealing without damage.
3Reliability
If the seal must withstand corrosive electrolytes and internal pressures, then the seal durability is improved, but the fabrication simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant and seal activator are pre-positioned in recesses during device assembly, before the electrolyte is introduced. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and prevents displacement during subsequent handling or operation. The recesses are designed to accommodate the components in their final sealed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is self-activating upon contact with electrolyte. The seal activator automatically expands when exposed to moisture, triggering the sealing action without requiring external intervention, specialized equipment, or complex fabrication steps. This self-service mechanism simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable sealing.
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 system effectively seals the device, preventing the passage of liquids like battery electrolytes and maintaining the seal's integrity under internal pressures, making it suitable for use in devices such as lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A seal activator is received in the sealant such that the pressure that the sealant applies to the component increases above the level of pressure that the sealant applies to the component before the sealant activator is received in the sealant
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical energy storage device has electrodes positioned in a case. A feedthrough pin extends through a portion of the case. A sealant surrounds the feedthrough pin and contacts a component of the device. A seal activator is received in the sealant such that the pressure that the sealant applies to the component increases above the level of pressure that the sealant applies to the component before the sealant activator is received in the sealant. In some instances, the component is the feedthrough pin.