Rechargeable Battery Insulating Cover and Sealing for Aqueous Circuit Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery modules face external short circuits due to aqueous circuits, which are not effectively prevented by existing insulation methods, leading to potential failures in electronic devices and motor-driven applications.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery module design featuring an insulating cover and insulation member with dual and single sealing structures for the terminals, along with cell sealings between the cap plate and cover, to prevent aqueous circuits and enhance external insulation, using a flexible housing structure and adhesive or protruding elements for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating layer is formed for external insulation of each unit cell, then electrical insulation is improved, but portions where the insulating layer is not provided may be electrically connected through water causing external short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into multiple components: an insulating layer on individual cells, an insulating cover covering multiple cells, and insulation members positioned between cells. This segmentation ensures that even if one insulation component is compromised, others maintain electrical isolation and prevent aqueous circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulation members as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent unit cells. These members create additional barriers that prevent water from forming conductive paths between cells, addressing the limitation of relying solely on insulating layers on individual cells.
2Reliability
If a separate insulating cover is provided covering multiple unit cells, then external insulation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation across multiple cells, acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors, and maintains structural integrity of the battery module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and mitigates the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the insulating cover with the cap plate structure, where the cap plate serves both as a structural component and as part of the insulation system. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced insulation.
3Reliability
If dual sealing structure is formed for the first terminal and single sealing for the second terminal, then terminal insulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sealing structures to different terminals based on their specific requirements. The first terminal, which may have different electrical or environmental exposure characteristics, receives a dual sealing structure for enhanced protection, while the second terminal uses a single sealing structure. This localized approach optimizes reliability without uniformly increasing manufacturing complexity across all terminals.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes: at least one unit cell including an electrode assembly, a case containing the electrode assembly therein, a cap plate sealing an opening of the case, and a first terminal protruding through the cap plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, an insulating cover covering the at least one unit cell, wherein the insulating cover is provided with a first opening exposing the first terminal of the at least one unit cell.