Cylindrical Battery Washer Vent Structure for Gas Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical alkaline batteries face safety concerns due to potential washer detachment when large amounts of gas are generated, which can lead to increased pressure and reduced productivity due to complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical battery design featuring a washer with a cylindrical boss portion and annular flange, including vent holes and protrusions or recesses, that are strategically positioned to efficiently release gas and prevent washer detachment, while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washer is provided to prevent short circuit in cylindrical batteries, then safety is improved, but the washer may detach when large amounts of gas are generated inside the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is divided into multiple functional parts: a boss portion that fits into the gap between terminal plate and sealing gasket, a flange portion that contacts the terminal plate, and multiple vent holes that are segmented around the boss portion. This segmentation allows the washer to independently perform short circuit prevention, gas release, and structural stabilization functions, preventing detachment while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If gas venting pathways are created in the washer, then gas release efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer incorporates multiple vent holes distributed around the boss portion, creating a porous structure that enables efficient gas release. The holes are strategically positioned to maximize gas venting capability while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic washer structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes, thus balancing productivity improvement with manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the washer structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then productivity is improved, but the ability to prevent washer detachment under pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The washer merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the boss portion provides structural anchoring in the gap, the flange portion ensures electrical insulation and contact with the terminal plate, and the vent holes provide gas release pathways. This merging allows the washer to prevent detachment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as all functions are achieved through one piece rather than multiple assembled parts.
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 washer detachment and ensures safe gas release, enhancing both safety and productivity by optimizing the area and placement of vent structures within the washer.
Implementation Method 1
the vent structure being configured to release gas flowing from the first vent hole to the gap, to an exterior of the cylindrical battery
Data Source
AI summary
In a cylindrical battery including a gap formed between a peripheral side surface 32b of a dish-shaped portion in an anode terminal plate 32 and a curved end portion 11a of a cathode can 11, and a washer 50 having a cylindrical boss portion 50a and an annular flange portion 50c provided around an upper end surface of the cylindrical boss portion 50athe washer 50 being mounted to an opening portion of a cathode can 11 such that the cylindrical boss portion 50a is fitted into the gap 201, a vent structure configured to release gas released to the gap 201 from a first vent hole 32c in the anode terminal plate 32 to an exterior of the cylindrical battery (1) from an arc-shaped second vent hole (50d) formed in the flange portion(50c) or an annular gap (301, 302) formed between the upper end surface of the cylindrical boss portion (50a) and the terminal plate(32).