Secondary Battery Regeneration via Drilled Hole Electrolyte Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion secondary batteries face challenges in regenerating their electrical capacity due to the flammability and packaging integrity issues, making it difficult to replenish electrolyte solutions and remove lithium dendrites, which are critical for restoring battery performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

A method involving drilling into the battery to inject a supplemental electrolyte solution under pressure, followed by sealing, and using electrochemical means to remove lithium dendrites, such as acid solutions, magnetic nanoparticles, or ultrasonic waves, to restore the battery's performance safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery package integrity is maintained to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but the ability to replenish electrolyte solution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidability to replenish electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery package is segmented into multiple parts: the outer package, the electrode assembly, and the electrolyte reservoir. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to be replenished through the drilled hole in the package without compromising the overall integrity and safety of the battery structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A drilled hole acts as an intermediary pathway, allowing the injection needle to deliver electrolyte solution into the battery interior without requiring package disassembly. This intermediary approach maintains package integrity while enabling electrolyte replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cleaning methods are used to restore battery function, then battery performance is improved, but the risk of spontaneous combustion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery performanceVSAvoidspontaneous combustion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods (which involve disassembly and direct contact with air) with a chemical injection method. The electrolyte solution is injected through a drilled hole without exposing the electrode materials to air, thereby eliminating the spontaneous combustion risk while restoring battery performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery interior maintains an inert atmosphere by preventing exposure to air during the electrolyte replenishment process. The drilled hole allows injection without creating an air-filled environment that could lead to spontaneous combustion of electrode materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If lithium dendrites are present in the battery, then battery capacity is reduced, but removing them requires complex physical methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidcomplexity of removal method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses hydraulic pressure to inject the electrolyte solution through the drilled hole into the battery interior. This pressurized injection method effectively distributes the electrolyte throughout the battery, reaching and dissolving lithium dendrites without requiring complex physical removal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition and physical state of the electrolyte solution to enhance its ability to dissolve lithium dendrites. By adjusting parameters such as solvent type, concentration, and temperature, the electrolyte becomes an effective medium for removing dendrites while simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively rejuvenates lithium-ion batteries by replenishing electrolytes and removing dendrites, enhancing their electrical capacity and safety, while also addressing environmental concerns by extending battery life and facilitating recycling.

Implementation Method 1

an injection pressure of the supplemental electrolyte solution injected is greater than an internal pressure inside the secondary battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a sealant is applied to the drilled hole until the sealant is cured and solidified

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS20230253640A1Method for regenerating secondary battery

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 SHEN MING TUNG

AI summary

A method for regenerating a secondary battery is disclosed and includes a discharge step before drilling, wherein the secondary battery is discharged so that no current is generated between two electrodes; a drilling step, wherein the secondary battery is drilled from an electrode terminal towards an internal direction of the secondary battery until passing through a spacer inside the secondary battery to form a drilled hole in the spacer; a solution replenishing step, wherein a solution injection needle is used to pass through the drilled hole to inject internally to the secondary battery with a supplemental electrolyte solution and the injection pressure of the supplemental electrolyte solution injected is greater than the internal pressure inside the secondary battery; and a sealing step, wherein the solution injection needle is withdrawn from the drilled hole and a sealant is applied to the drilled hole until the sealant is cured and solidified.