Secondary Battery Safety Device Compression Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in safely detecting and responding to abnormal operations such as overheating or excess current flow due to complex and costly installation processes, and limited precision in temperature detection, which can lead to inadequate safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a safety device mounted on a cap plate with a stiffener made of thermally conductive materials like invar or carbon steel, which compresses the safety device against the cap plate, and an electrode terminal that fixes the safety device and stiffener by compression, eliminating the need for welding and enhancing temperature detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety device is installed in a secondary battery to detect abnormal operations such as overheating or excess current, then the battery's safety is improved, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety device, stiffener, and electrode terminal into a single integrated assembly. The electrode terminal serves dual functions: electrical connection and mechanical fastening (via compression through the through-hole). The stiffener is integrated with the safety device, eliminating the need for separate welding operations and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the electrode assembly and external circuitry, serves as a fastening mechanism through compression (replacing welding), and works in conjunction with the stiffener to provide mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and assembly steps required.
2Reliability
If a safety device is installed to detect abnormal operations, then the battery's safety is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety device with the electrode terminal assembly, eliminating the need for separate welding operations. The compression-based fastening system uses the electrode terminal itself as the fastening mechanism, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and associated costs while maintaining safety device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the welding operation from the assembly process by replacing it with a compression-based fastening system. The electrode terminal is inserted through a pre-formed through-hole in the stiffener and safety device, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming welding operations while maintaining structural integrity.
3Measurement precision
If the safety device is mounted on the cap plate with a stiffener, then the temperature detection precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stiffener and safety device into a single integrated structure where the stiffener serves as both a mechanical support element and a mounting structure for the safety device. The through-hole in the stiffener aligns with the through-hole in the safety device, allowing the electrode terminal to pass through both components simultaneously, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical strength to support the safety device, serves as a mounting structure with an integrated through-hole for the electrode terminal, and works in conjunction with the compression force from the electrode terminal to secure the safety device in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the electrode terminal fixes the safety device by compression through a through-hole, then the assembly process is simplified, but the mechanical strength requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-formed through-hole in the stiffener during its manufacturing process. This preliminary action allows the electrode terminal to be simply inserted and compressed into place during assembly, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations while ensuring adequate mechanical strength through the compression fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes compression force as the fastening mechanism, changing the parameter from welded joint strength to compression fit strength. The electrode terminal is compressed through the through-hole, creating a secure mechanical connection that is both simple to assemble and sufficiently strong for the application.
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 design simplifies the assembly process, reinforces the safety device's mechanical strength, and allows for precise temperature detection, enabling effective safety operations during abnormal conditions without the need for welding, thus improving the battery's safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The stiffener is provided with a through-hole through which the electrode terminal extends to fix the stiffener to the cap plate. In an embodiment, the stiffener comprises thermally conductive material, for example invar or carbon steel.
Implementation Method 2
the secondary battery includes a heat transmission member interposed between and in thermal contact with the safety device and the cap plate. The heat transmission member may comprise a flexible and thermally conductive material, for example silicone.
Data Source
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AI summary
A secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate arranged to cover an opening of the case; a safety device disposed on the cap plate; a stiffener arranged to hold the safety device against the cap plate; and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and arranged to fix the safety device and the stiffener to the cap plate.