Secondary Battery Inversion Plate Short-Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to internal pressure increases due to electrical short circuits, which can lead to fires or explosions, necessitating a design that prevents excessive pressure rise and ensures stability against short circuits.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electrode assembly with a cap plate featuring a short-circuit hole, an inductive element with self-inductance, and an inversion plate that deforms to generate a short-circuit current when internal pressure exceeds a preset threshold, allowing the fuse to operate securely by prioritizing the melting of the inversion and connection plates over the fuse part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional battery structure without special safety mechanisms is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to risk of fire or explosion from internal pressure rise
Solution Approach 1:
The inversion plate is pre-configured in a flat state that blocks the short-circuit hole. When internal pressure exceeds a threshold, the inversion plate automatically inverts to open the hole and trigger the safety mechanism. This preliminary configuration allows the system to respond automatically to pressure buildup without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inversion plate acts as an intermediary element between the internal pressure source and the short-circuit protection mechanism. It translates pressure buildup into a mechanical action (inversion) that opens the short-circuit hole, mediating between the thermal/pressure problem and the electrical safety solution.
2Reliability
If the fuse part operates immediately to protect against short circuits, then the reliability is improved, but the inversion plate and connection plate may not melt in time to prevent excessive current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The inversion plate is pre-positioned to block the short-circuit hole under normal conditions. When pressure builds up, it inverts to open the hole, allowing current to flow through the inversion plate and connection plate first. This preliminary positioning ensures that the melting sequence occurs in the correct order: inversion plate and connection plate melt first to create a controlled short circuit path, then the fuse operates as a backup protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a controlled short-circuit path through the inversion plate and connection plate that acts as a cushioning mechanism. This path allows excessive current to flow through sacrificial elements (inversion plate and connection plate) that are designed to melt first, cushioning the blow before the fuse operates and preventing more severe damage.
3Reliability
If the short-circuit hole is always open to allow pressure relief, then the reliability is improved, but electrical short circuits may occur continuously causing excessive current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The short-circuit hole is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than statically open or closed. The inversion plate can switch between blocking and opening the hole based on internal pressure conditions. When pressure is normal, the hole is blocked preventing short circuits. When pressure exceeds the threshold, the inversion plate opens the hole to allow pressure relief and controlled current flow for safety.
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 configuration effectively prevents excessive internal pressure rises due to electrical short circuits, ensuring the secure operation of the fuse and reducing the risk of battery ignition or explosion.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive element electrically coupled to the first electrode terminal and having self-inductance
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a case accommodating the electrode assembly and including a top opening; a cap plate sealing the top opening of the case and including a short-circuit hole; a first electrode terminal electrically coupled to the first electrode plate and protruding to an upper portion of the cap plate; an inductive element electrically coupled to the first electrode terminal and having self-inductance; a first connection plate electrically coupled to the inductive element and separated from the cap plate; and an inversion plate in the short-circuit hole.