Button Cell Can Coupling Using Gasket-Locked Vent Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing button-type secondary batteries face limitations in increasing capacity due to the restricted internal space between the first and second cans, which hinders the accommodation of larger electrode assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A button-type secondary battery design that increases internal space by coupling a first can with a second can, where a gasket is deformed to fit into vent holes in the second can, securing a larger electrode assembly, and a manufacturing method involving a coupling and fixing process using a gasket to adjust the coupling force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If clamps are used to couple the first can and second can, then the cans are securely fixed, but the internal space height is reduced limiting electrode assembly size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidinternal space volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A gasket is introduced as an intermediary component between the first can and second can. The gasket deforms to fit into vent holes, serving as a mediator that transmits coupling force while occupying minimal space, thus securing the cans without significantly reducing internal space height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is nested within the vent holes of the second can during coupling. By fitting the deformed gasket into the existing vent hole structures, the coupling mechanism is embedded within the can walls rather than occupying external or internal space, maximizing the usable internal volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the second can diameter is increased to accommodate larger electrode assembly, then capacity increases, but the coupling structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode assembly capacityVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the cans, acts as the coupling fastener by deforming into vent holes, and distributes mechanical stress across the can interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing rings and fastening mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure despite larger can dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for a larger electrode assembly to be mounted, enhancing capacity while maintaining a smooth surface and preventing unnecessary deformation or stress on the cans, with adjustable coupling force through multiple vent holes.

Implementation Method 1

the gasket being deformed to a size corresponding to a difference between a pressure inside a space defined by the first can and the second can and a pressure outside the first can and the second can

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3783684B1Secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3783684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783684B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A button-type secondary battery of the present invention comprises: a first can of which a first side surface is vertically disposed along a circumference of a first base surface; a second can which has a second base surface having a diameter greater than that of the first base surface of the first can and of which a second side surface is vertically disposed along a circumference of the second base surface, wherein a vent hole is punched in the second side surface; and a gasket disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface when the first can and the second can are coupled to each other, wherein the first can and the second can are coupled to each other so that the first side surface is inserted inside the second side surface and the gasket is deformed so that the gasket is fitted into the vent hole, thereby fixing the first can and the second can. A method for manufacturing a button-type secondary battery of the present invention, in which a first can of which a first side surface is vertically disposed along a circumference of a first base surface and a second can which has a second base surface having a diameter greater than that of the first base surface of the first can and of which a second side surface is vertically disposed along a circumference of the second base surface are coupled to each other, comprises: a step of preparing the first can; a step of preparing the second can; a punching step in which a vent hole punched in the second side surface of the second can; a coupling step in which a gasket is disposed between the first side surface of the first can and the second side surface of the second can, and the first can and the second can are coupled to allow the gasket to face the vent hole; and a fixing step in which the gasket is deformed to allow the gasket to be fitted into the vent hole so as to fix the first can and the second can.