Battery Venting Structure to Prevent Insulation Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal runaway in batteries can cause electrolyte vapor to deposit in insulation layers, leading to electrical conduction between the cell and the metal plate, which may result in high-voltage sparking and explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery design with an insulating structure sandwiched between the cell and a metal plate member, featuring a collection structure to collect electrolyte vapor away from the insulating structure, preventing deposition and maintaining insulation effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer or multi-layer insulation layer is provided between the cell and the metal plate, then insulation effect is improved, but electrolyte vapor deposits in the insulation layer during thermal runaway, weakening or failing the insulation effect
Solution Approach 1:
A film structure is introduced as an intermediary layer between the insulation layer and the collection structure. This film structure allows electrolyte vapor to pass through during thermal runaway while preventing insulation material from entering the collection structure, thus maintaining the insulation effect while enabling vapor collection
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electrolyte vapor is extracted from the space between the cell and metal plate by introducing a collection structure connected to the exterior through an exhaust hole. This removes the vapor before it can deposit in the insulation layer, preventing insulation failure
2Productivity
If the collection structure is positioned close to the valve member, then collection efficiency is improved, but the insulating structure may be compromised by electrolyte vapor passage
Solution Approach 1:
The film structure serves as a mediator between the collection structure and insulation layer, allowing the collection structure to be positioned close to the valve member for efficient vapor collection while the film prevents insulation material from being carried into the collection structure
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible film structure is used that can withstand the pressure and flow of electrolyte vapor during thermal runaway while maintaining its barrier function. The thin film allows vapor passage but prevents solid insulation material from entering the collection structure
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 design effectively prevents electrical conduction between the cell and the metal plate during thermal runaway, avoiding high-voltage sparking and potential explosions by efficiently collecting and directing electrolyte vapor away from the insulating structure.
Implementation Method 1
electrolyte vapor ejected through the valve member and diffused between the insulating structure and the first portion
Implementation Method 2
electrolyte vapor generated during thermal runaway of the cell is partially discharged through the valve member and the exhaust structure
Data Source
AI summary
A battery and an electric apparatus are disclosed. The battery includes a cell, an insulating structure, and a metal plate member. The insulating structure is sandwiched between the cell and a first portion. The first portion is provided with a collection structure on a side facing the insulating structure. A second portion is provided with an exhaust structure, and a valve member and the exhaust structure are disposed opposite each other. The collection structure is configured to collect at least a portion of electrolyte vapor ejected through the valve member and diffused between the insulating structure and the first portion. Based on this, the insulating structure maintains insulation in a thermal runaway state, preventing electrical conduction between the cell and the metal plate member, thereby avoiding high-voltage sparking.