Electrochemical Element Lid Structure for Axial Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical elements face heat dissipation challenges that lead to reduced lifespan due to inadequate thermal management, as external heat exchange devices increase the bulk of the module and are not efficient in dissipating heat effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical element with a closing part that enhances heat dissipation by utilizing internal and external flat surfaces for welding and cooling, respectively, allowing for direct welding to current collectors and integrating heat exchangers for efficient thermal conductivity and compact module assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If external heat exchange devices are used to dissipate heat from electrochemical elements, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but the size of the element and module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidsize of element and module

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the existing current output terminal structure. The closing piece integrates both electrical connection and thermal management functions, eliminating the need for separate external heat exchange devices. The flat external surfaces of the closing piece serve as heat dissipation surfaces that are already part of the element's structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing piece performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection through welding surfaces for current collectors, structural closure for the container, and heat dissipation through its flat external surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated heat exchange components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heat transfer fluid circulation devices are added to improve heat dissipation, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing piece with its high thermal conductivity material and flat external surfaces enables passive heat dissipation. The heat naturally conducts from the electrochemical elements through the welding connections to the closing piece, which then dissipates heat to the ambient air through its exposed surfaces, eliminating the need for active pump systems or complex fluid circulation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from complex external systems and integrates it directly into the closing piece structure. By using the closing piece itself as the heat dissipation surface, the design removes the need for separate heat transfer fluid circulation devices and their associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If thermal conductivity of the closing piece is increased to improve heat dissipation, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the closing piece be made from materials with high thermal conductivity (such as aluminum or copper alloys) to maximize heat dissipation efficiency. By selecting appropriate materials with inherent high thermal conductivity properties, the design achieves effective heat management while maintaining manufacturability through standard metal forming and welding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces thermal resistance and improves heat dissipation efficiency, enabling the production of high-power and high-cycling capacity electrochemical elements in compact assemblies while maintaining module compactness.

Implementation Method 1

The closure piece is located at the end of the element's container and provides very high thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3732740B1Lid for an electrochemicial element having improved thermal conductivity

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SAFT GRP SA

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrochemical element (1) comprising: a) a container (2) comprising an opening allowing the introduction of at least one electrochemical beam (7); and b) a closing part (3) for closing said container, comprising: i) at least one flat inner surface (4a, 4b, 4c) which is oriented towards the inside of the container and can be directly electrically connected to a current collector (6), ii) at least one flat outer surface (5a, 5b, 5c) which is oriented towards the outside of the container and can act as a terminal of the electrochemical element, and iii) at least one wall (8a, 8b, 8c) connecting said at least one flat inner surface to said at least one flat outer surface, said wall forming an angle of between 70 and 120° in relation to one of the two flat surfaces. The closing part of the container allows heat dissipation to be improved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the element.