Rechargeable Cell Architecture With Piezoelectric Gas Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable battery systems generate gases during charge, recharge, or discharge, which reduce efficiency and pose safety risks, and there is a need for systems that minimize or eliminate gas production.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mechanical impulse element, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, to dislodge gas bubbles from electrode surfaces or trapped in separators, using piezoelectric elements attached to the casing, collectors, or separators, and venting the dislodged gas to maintain pressure equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells use conventional electrochemical systems, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but gas is generated during charge/discharge that reduces efficiency and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric element that generates vibratory motion when voltage is applied. This vibration mechanically dislodges gas bubbles from electrode surfaces and separator materials, preventing gas accumulation that would otherwise reduce battery efficiency and create safety hazards. The vibratory action converts electrical energy into mechanical disruption of gas adhesion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas generation into a beneficial process by using the same electrochemical reactions that produce gas to also drive the removal mechanism. The piezoelectric element is electrically connected to the battery cell, utilizing the cell's own voltage output to activate gas dislodgement. Thus, the gas-generating electrochemical process inadvertently powers the gas-removal mechanism.
2Productivity
If gas bubbles accumulate on electrode surfaces or in separators, then battery efficiency decreases, but adding mechanical impulse elements increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a gas dislodgement mechanism through mechanical vibration, serves as an electrical connector between battery components, and can function as a sensor for detecting gas accumulation or cell voltage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high battery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell's own electrochemical output provides the energy needed to operate the piezoelectric gas-dislodgement element. The cell voltage generated during normal operation is sufficient to activate the piezoelectric effect, making the gas removal system self-powered and eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If piezoelectric elements are used to dislodge gas bubbles, then gas accumulation is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piezoelectric element with existing battery components such as the separator or electrode structure. Rather than adding a completely separate component, the piezoelectric material is integrated into the battery's internal architecture, sharing structural and functional space with existing elements. This integration reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect, which converts electrical parameters (voltage) directly into mechanical action (vibration) without requiring moving parts, complex mechanisms, or additional materials. This parameter transformation from electrical to mechanical domain enables gas dislodgement using only standard battery electrical outputs, avoiding the need for expensive mechanical actuators or external power systems.
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 solution effectively reduces gas accumulation, enhancing battery efficiency and safety by mechanically dislodging and venting gas bubbles, thereby improving the operational performance and safety of rechargeable batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical impulse element, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, to promote dislodgement or freeing of gas generated on electrode surfaces or trapped in a separator or other membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery cell a casing and first and second electrode materials separately positioned in the casing. A mechanical impulse element is positioned to mechanically move and dislodge gas bubbles from at least one of the first and second electrode materials in response to activation. In some embodiments the mechanical impulse element can include a vibratory piezoelectric element. In other embodiments, a gas vent in the battery cell can be used to release dislodged gas bubbles.