Secondary Battery Swelling Member for Short-Circuit Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are susceptible to internal short circuits due to electrical contact between electrodes of different polarities, leading to increased temperature and potential fire risks, especially under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a swelling member between the electrode assembly and the case, which includes a swelling layer that expands upon electrolyte impregnation, providing electrical insulation and filling the peripheral space, thereby preventing short circuits and protecting the battery components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a swelling member is added to fill peripheral space and provide insulation, then safety against short circuits is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swelling member acts as an intermediary component positioned between the electrode assembly and the case. It provides electrical insulation to prevent short circuits while filling the peripheral space. The member includes a swelling layer that expands upon electrolyte impregnation to ensure complete space filling and maintain insulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The swelling member utilizes parameter changes through the swelling layer that changes its physical state from a smaller initial volume to an expanded volume upon electrolyte impregnation. This parameter change allows the member to adaptively fill the peripheral space and maintain effective insulation between the electrode assembly and case throughout battery operation.
2Reliability
If the swelling member expands by impregnation with electrolyte, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The swelling member is pre-installed in the peripheral space between the electrode assembly and case before final battery assembly. The member is designed to swell upon electrolyte impregnation, which occurs automatically during battery operation. This preliminary positioning followed by automatic expansion eliminates the need for precise manual adjustment during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The swelling member performs self-adjustment through automatic expansion when the electrolyte penetrates the swelling layer. This self-service mechanism ensures the member adapts to the exact peripheral space requirements without requiring external intervention or precise pre-positioning, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining insulation effectiveness.
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 swelling member effectively insulates and protects the electrode assembly, reducing the likelihood and severity of short circuits, enhancing safety by absorbing heat and maintaining structural integrity during impacts or drops.
Implementation Method 1
the swelling member fills a peripheral space between the case and the electrode assembly within the case, and includes a first swelling layer capable of swelling by impregnation with electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
the swelling member may insulate (e.g., electrically insulate) between the electrode tab and the electrode assembly and/or between the electrode assembly and the case
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery may comprise an electrode assembly, a case that accommodates the electrode assembly and a swelling member between the electrode assembly and the case. The swelling member may fill a peripheral space between the case and the electrode assembly within the case, and comprise a first swelling layer capable of swelling by impregnation with electrolyte.