Rechargeable Battery Insulation Case Short-Circuit Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face safety issues due to deformation caused by longitudinal compression, which can lead to internal short-circuits and excessive heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring an electrode assembly with a cap plate and insulation case, including avoiding portions and short-circuit protrusions that contact each other upon compression, intentionally inducing a short-circuit to safely discharge current and disperse heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the rechargeable battery is designed with a compact structure, then the energy density is improved, but the battery becomes susceptible to deformation under longitudinal compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a compression-resistant structure including reinforcing ribs on the case and buffer members positioned between the electrode assembly and cap plate. These elements are pre-configured to absorb and distribute compression forces before they can deform the battery components, thus maintaining structural integrity while preserving the compact design for high energy density.
2Ease of manufacture
If the battery structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the safety against internal short-circuit under compression is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the compression-resistant structure into distinct functional elements: reinforcing ribs on the case, separate buffer members positioned at specific locations, and insulation cases with avoiding portions. This segmented approach allows each component to perform its specific safety function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is cost-effective to manufacture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the insulation case is made rigid to prevent deformation, then the structural stability is improved, but the risk of internal short-circuit due to component contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing avoiding portions (local insulating structures) at specific critical locations on the insulation case where contact between conductive components could occur. The insulation case itself can be rigid for overall structural stability, but the avoiding portions create localized non-conductive zones that prevent short-circuits even when the battery is compressed, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and short-circuit prevention.
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 ensures safe discharge of current and controlled heat generation even under deformation, preventing damage from excessive heat in high-resistance short-circuited areas.
Implementation Method 1
When the internal short-circuit occurs in a portion having high resistance, excessive heat may be generated in the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator located between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing an opening of the case; and an insulation case located between the cap plate and the electrode assembly, the insulation case having a base and a side wall protruding from the base, the side wall including avoiding portions formed thereon.