Battery Vent Connector Layout for Pressure-Triggered Overcharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices lack sufficient safety due to the failure of stimulus-response members to short-circuit external circuits, leading to potential overcharging and insufficient protection.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage device incorporates a supporter with a vent hole and a connector that allows gas to flow through, enabling the stimulus-response member to be activated and prevent overcharging by creating a short-circuit when gas pressure exceeds a threshold, thereby enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stimulus-response member is completely exposed to the vent hole, then gas can flow freely to activate it, but the connector cannot provide sufficient structural support and shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between the electrode assembly and external circuit, offers structural support to the stimulus-response member, provides shielding against external interference, and maintains proper positioning. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate components while enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector with the stimulus-response member assembly, integrating the electrical connection function with the protection and positioning functions. The connector body is formed as an integrated structure that combines the electrical contact element with the shielding and support features, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the connector is positioned away from the vent hole, then it provides better electrical connection, but gas flow to the stimulus-response member is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with differentiated zones: one region provides electrical connection while another region provides shielding and positioning. The connector partially shields the vent hole rather than completely blocking it, allowing gas to flow through designated pathways while the connector maintains its electrical connection function. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and gas flow.
3Ease of operation
If the stimulus-response member is fully exposed, then gas can activate it easily, but the device lacks sufficient shielding and structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the stimulus-response member. It provides the necessary shielding and structural support while allowing gas to reach the stimulus-response member through controlled pathways. The connector mediates between the need for protection and the need for activation, resolving the contradiction.
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 configuration ensures effective overcharging protection and improved safety by allowing gas to flow to the stimulus-response member, ensuring it can turn over and short-circuit the device when necessary, preventing overcharging and potential explosions.
Implementation Method 1
The vent hole enables gas from the first side to flow through to the stimulus-response member
Implementation Method 2
the stimulus-response member is activated and prevent overcharging by creating a short-circuit when gas pressure exceeds a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A power consuming device includes an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a supporter, a pole, a stimulus-response member, a connector, and an electrode assembly. The supporter has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The supporter defines a mounting hole and a vent hole. The mounting hole is spaced apart from the vent hole in a length direction of the supporter. The connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part. The first connecting part is opposite to the second connecting part when the first connecting part is folded relative to the second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the pole. The second connecting part extends toward the vent hole and partially shields the vent hole in a thickness direction of the supporter.