Battery Pressure Wedge Mechanism for Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium Metal Batteries (LMBs) operated under low pressure conditions are prone to dendrite growth between the anode and cathode, limiting their lifespan and effectiveness, while high pressure conditions can mitigate this issue but require effective pressure control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control apparatus and method that includes a support plate and a movable pressure plate opposite the support plate, with actuator wedges and a screw mechanism to adjust pressure within the battery, utilizing a pressure sensor and controller to maintain optimal pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LMB is operated under low pressure conditions, then device complexity is reduced, but dendrite growth occurs between anode and cathode limiting battery lifespan and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pressure control system where the pressure plate can move between first and second positions to adjust pressure levels. The actuator wedge mechanism enables continuous adjustment of pressure applied to the battery, allowing the system to adapt pressure conditions during operation to prevent dendrite growth while maintaining battery performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by moving the pressure plate between different positions relative to the support plate. This parameter change from low to high pressure conditions directly addresses dendrite growth prevention while the patent explores the trade-off with increased device complexity from incorporating the pressure control apparatus.
2Reliability
If LMB is operated under high pressure conditions, then dendrite growth is reduced, but device complexity increases due to pressure control mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure plate as an intermediary component between the actuator mechanism and the battery. This pressure plate mediates the force transmission from the actuator wedge to the battery, allowing pressure control while simplifying the overall structure. The support plate and pressure plate work together as intermediary elements to achieve pressure control without directly complex mechanisms contacting the battery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure plate is made movable to control pressure, then pressure control capability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a support plate, a movable pressure plate, and an actuator wedge mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining pressure control capability. The actuator wedge is further segmented into first and second wedges that work in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure control systems with a wedge-based actuator mechanism. Instead of using motors, hydraulics, or pneumatics, the system uses mechanical wedges that convert linear motion into force multiplication, achieving pressure control through simple mechanical advantage principles.
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 solution effectively reduces dendrite growth in LMBs by maintaining high pressure conditions within the battery, thereby enhancing battery performance, lifespan, and overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator wedge in contact with the first plate wedge, the first actuator wedge configured to move parallel to the pressure plate to control a force applied by the first actuator wedge to the first plate wedge
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus further includes a screw that passes through the first actuator wedge and the second actuator wedge, wherein the screw has a first thread direction at the first actuator wedge and a second thread direction at the second actuator wedge
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus of claim 1. further includes a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure within the battery and a controller configured to control the motor based on the pressure to control the pressure within the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an apparatus for performing a method of controlling a pressure within a battery. The battery is disclosed between a support plate at a first side of the battery and a pressure plate disposed at a second side of the battery opposite the first side. The pressure plate is movable with respect to the support plate to control the pressure of the battery and including a first plate wedge. The first actuator wedge is moved parallel to the pressure plate with the first actuator wedge in contact with the first plate wedge to control a force applied by the first actuator wedge to the first plate wedge to move the pressure plate with respect to the support plate. Moving the pressure plate controls the pressure within the battery.