Shielding Member for Battery Pressure Release Valve Fragment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a nail penetration test on rechargeable batteries, the pressure release valve can rupture, causing electrode fragments to be scattered due to high-pressure gas release, leading to potential damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A power storage apparatus with a shielding member positioned between the electrode assembly and the pressure release valve, which redirects and lengthens the gas discharge path, reducing the scattering of electrode fragments by changing the direction of the gas flow and increasing the distance it travels before exiting the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure release valve is designed to release pressure at a specific threshold, then the pressure release function is improved, but electrode fragments are scattered by the high-pressure gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode assembly and the pressure release valve. This shielding member includes a shielding portion that covers the cross-section of a three-dimensional region, intercepting the high-pressure gas flow and preventing electrode fragments from being scattered outward while allowing the pressure release function to operate normally
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding member covers the entire cross-section of the three-dimensional region, then electrode fragment scattering is prevented, but the gas discharge path is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is designed with specific local properties: the shielding portion covers the cross-section of the three-dimensional region to block fragment scattering, while a gas discharge hole is provided to maintain gas discharge capability. This local differentiation allows the shielding member to simultaneously achieve fragment containment and pressure relief
3Speed
If the pressure release valve is positioned to efficiently release pressure, then the pressure release speed is improved, but the scattering distance of electrode fragments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member acts as a mediator that intercepts the high-pressure gas flow before it can carry electrode fragments over long distances. By positioning the shielding member between the electrode assembly and the external environment, it reduces the scattering distance of fragments while allowing the pressure release valve to maintain its efficient pressure release function
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 shielding member effectively limits the scattering of electrode fragments and reduces the risk of damage and sparks by altering the gas flow path, ensuring safer operation during nail penetration tests.
Implementation Method 1
The shielding portion is located between the ripped-open pressure release valve and the cross section of the three-dimensional region and covers the entire cross-sectional plane. Thus, the gas discharged out of the electrode assembly from the cross section of the three-dimensional region strikes the shielding portion. This changes the direction of the gas flowing toward the pressure release valve and lengthens the gas discharge path extending toward the pressure release valve.
Implementation Method 2
The high-pressure gas generated at the short-circuited part passes through the three-dimensional region from the center point and flows toward the ripped-open pressure release valve. The force of the generated gas scrapes parts of the electrodes and produces fragments.
Implementation Method 3
As a result, the electrode fragments fall out of the gas.
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage apparatus has a case accommodating an electrode assembly, and a release valve present in the wall of the case. The electrode assembly includes electrodes. A shielding member is arranged between the inner surface of the wall and the end surface of the electrode assembly. A point located in a center of the case in a front view of the case taken in the stacking direction of the electrodes and located in a center of a dimension of the electrode assembly in the stacking direction is a center point, and a region surrounded by a plane connecting the center point and a contour of the pressure release valve at a shortest distance is a three-dimensional region. The shielding member includes a shielding portion that entirely covers a cross section of the three-dimensional region along the end face of the electrode assembly.