Battery Cell Vent Blocking Member for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face issues with thermal runaway due to heat transfer from a vented battery cell to adjacent cells, as insulating members that prevent discharge of flames and gases can also hinder necessary venting during events.
Innovation Solution
A blocking member that can open and close based on pressure changes within the battery cell, featuring notches and bent portions to manage venting and protect adjacent cells during thermal events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating member is provided to protect adjacent battery cells from heat transfer, then thermal runaway protection is improved, but the venting function is hindered when the insulating member remains closed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be dynamically movable between a first position (blocking the vent) and a second position (allowing venting). The member responds to pressure changes inside the battery cell, automatically transitioning from a closed blocking state during normal operation to an open venting state when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and venting functions
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member utilizes pressure differential as the controlling parameter to determine its state. When internal pressure is lower than external pressure, the member remains in the first position providing thermal protection. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure, the member moves to the second position enabling gas and flame discharge, thus adapting the system's protective function based on changing pressure conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking member is used to prevent heat transfer to adjacent cells, then safety is improved, but the ability to discharge thermal energy is reduced if the blocking member remains closed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time pressure conditions. During normal operation, it blocks the vent to prevent heat transfer. During thermal events when internal pressure rises, it automatically opens to allow thermal energy discharge, thus dynamically balancing protection and energy release requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the battery cell interior and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between containment (for protection) and release (for thermal management) by selectively controlling the vent opening based on pressure differential, allowing the system to achieve both protection and thermal energy discharge under different conditions
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 blocking member effectively prevents thermal runaway in adjacent cells by managing pressure-induced venting while allowing necessary discharge of gases and flames, enhancing safety in battery modules.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member seated on the cap plate, facing the vent, and movable with pressure changes inside or outside the case
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive may have a melting point of 90 to 300 degrees Celsius
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery cell, a battery module, and a method of manufacturing the battery module, and is directed to providing a battery cell in which a blocking member (240) is capable of being opened and closed depending on a state of the battery cell, a battery module, and a method of manufacturing the battery module. To this end, the present disclosure provides a battery cell including a case (210) accommodating an electrode assembly, a cap plate (220) disposed on the case and sealing the case, a vent (230) provided on the cap plate and opened and closed in conjunction with pressure changes inside the case, and a blocking member (240) seated on the cap plate, disposed to face the vent, and moved with pressure changes inside or outside the case. With a battery cell, a battery module, and a method of manufacturing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to open and close a blocking member depending on the state of the battery cell.