Battery Cap Plate Venting Guide Wall for Thermal Spread Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal runaway in rechargeable batteries can cause hot jets to spread and trigger thermal events in neighboring cells, leading to potential fires or explosions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a venting guide wall in the cap plate to redirect hot jets away from neighboring cells, preventing or delaying the spread of flames and heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a vent is provided to expel gas from inside the cell, then gas pressure is relieved, but hot jets can spread to neighboring cells causing thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The venting guide wall acts as an intermediary structure between the vent hole and the external environment. It redirects the hot gas jet through a controlled path that directs exhaust away from neighboring cells, preventing thermal spread while maintaining pressure relief functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The venting guide wall extends in the vertical direction (height h1) above the cap plate surface, creating a three-dimensional exhaust path. This vertical dimension allows the hot jet to be directed upward and away from adjacent cells rather than spreading horizontally across the battery pack
2Ease of manufacture
If the cap plate structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but thermal runaway protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The venting guide wall is integrated with the cap plate as a single unified structure. The guide wall and cap plate are formed together through a single molding process using a mold with a recess, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations while providing enhanced thermal protection
Solution Approach 2:
The cap plate serves multiple functions: it seals the battery cell, provides structural support, and incorporates the venting guide wall for thermal runaway protection. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated molding that combines sealing, structural, and safety features in one component
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 venting guide wall effectively contains thermal events by guiding jets upwards, reducing the risk of secondary thermal incidents and protecting adjacent cells.
Implementation Method 1
a venting guide wall surrounding the vent, and protruding outward from a surface of the cap plate at a peripheral portion of the vent... the venting guide wall may guide a jet from the vent to be ejected in a direction in which the venting guide wall protrudes
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including an electrode; a case to accommodate the electrode assembly; a cap plate to seal an open area of the case; and one or more terminals electrically connected to the electrode, and coupled to the cap plate. The cap plate includes: a vent to expel gas generated from inside a cell outward; and a venting guide wall surrounding the vent, and protruding outward from a surface of the cap plate at a peripheral portion of the vent.