Pouch Battery Cell Connection Port for Gas Release and Electrolyte Refill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pouch-type lithium battery cells face challenges in discharging generated gas and replenishing electrolytes due to the complete blocking of passages during manufacturing, which affects long-term lifespan and prevents gas discharge or electrolyte replenishment.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design featuring a connection unit with a tube shape and a projection on the case, allowing for the coupling of an electrolyte injection apparatus that can discharge gas and replenish electrolytes by inserting an injection needle through the projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the passage is completely blocked at the end stage of manufacturing to prevent water and air introduction, then the long-term lifespan of the battery cell is improved, but the ability to discharge gas and replenish electrolyte is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term lifespanVSAvoidability to discharge gas and replenish electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The passage is segmented into two functional zones: an initial open state allowing gas discharge and electrolyte replenishment, and a final blocked state preventing water and air introduction. The blocking structure is designed to activate only after the battery cell is fully assembled, separating the manufacturing phase requirements from the operational phase requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passage is pre-configured to remain open during the battery cell assembly process, allowing gas discharge and electrolyte replenishment to occur before final sealing. The blocking action is performed as a preliminary step before the battery cell is completely assembled, ensuring that the passage is blocked in advance to prevent contamination during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the passage is blocked to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but maintenance capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidmaintenance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The passage structure is segmented into a maintenance-accessible portion and a contamination-blocking portion. The blocking structure is designed to be positioned such that it prevents external contamination while still allowing access to the passage for maintenance operations through designated access points in the battery cell case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking structure acts as an intermediary element that can be selectively activated or deactivated. During normal operation, it blocks contamination; during maintenance, it can be opened or bypassed to allow access to the passage for gas discharge and electrolyte replenishment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a connection unit with projection is added to enable gas discharge and electrolyte replenishment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discharge and electrolyte replenishment capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit is merged with the battery cell case structure, where the projection is formed as an integral part of the case. The blocking structure and the connection unit share common structural elements, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the required adaptability for gas discharge and electrolyte replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the discharge of gas generated inside the battery cell and the replenishment of electrolytes, thereby extending the replacement cycle of the battery cell, improving stability, and preventing accidents like explosions.

Implementation Method 1

an injection needle connected to an electrolyte containing portion to deliver the electrolyte into the battery cell through the connection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a sealing cover formed to have a tube shape and coupled to the electrolyte containing portion, wherein the connection unit is disposed to be inserted into the sealing cover when the electrolyte injection apparatus is coupled to the connection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12334601B2Battery cell, electrolyte injection apparatus for battery cell, and electrolyte injection method using the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A battery cell includes a case, accommodating an electrode assembly therein, and a connection unit formed to have a tube shape and having one end bonded to an external surface of the case. The case includes a projection formed to protrude outwardly, and the projection is disposed in an internal surface of the connection unit.