Cylindrical Cell Protrusion Cavity for Anode Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical alkaline electrochemical cells face premature voltage drop due to pressure exerted by expanding anode material on the anode-cathode interface, leading to short circuits and reduced discharge efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical cell design incorporates a pip protrusion with an inner cavity that extends into the protrusion, allowing anode material to expand without increasing pressure on the anode-cathode interface, and includes a convex separator bottom surface that separates the inner and outer cavities, increasing the interfacial area between cathode and anode materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If anode material is allowed to expand freely, then the chemical reaction and temperature increase are accommodated, but pressure on the anode-cathode interface increases causing separator failure and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a protrusion extending from the end wall of the can, creating an additional dimensional space for anode material expansion. This protrusion cavity provides a dedicated volume that the anode material can occupy during expansion, directing the volume change away from the anode-cathode interface and preventing separator failure while accommodating the natural expansion behavior of the anode material.
2Reliability
If anode material expansion is constrained, then pressure on the anode-cathode interface is reduced, but the chemical reaction and temperature increase are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the can interior into two distinct volumes: the main cylindrical cavity and the protrusion cavity. This segmentation allows the anode material to expand into the protrusion cavity while maintaining stable pressure on the anode-cathode interface in the main cavity. The separator remains positioned in the main cavity where it needs to maintain integrity, while the protrusion provides a separate expansion zone.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cylindrical design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but discharge efficiency is reduced due to pressure on anode-cathode interface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the conventional cylindrical can by adding a protrusion that extends from the end wall, creating an additional dimensional space. This simple geometric modification provides a cavity for anode material expansion that improves discharge efficiency by preventing pressure buildup on the anode-cathode interface, while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward structural addition.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell comprises a can comprising a cylindrical side wall extending from a closed end wall, the closed end wall defining a protrusion with a protrusion cavity therein; and a separator positioned within the can and defining an inner cavity and separating the inner cavity from an outer cavity defined by the can and the separator. The inner cavity extends into the protrusion cavity. The electrochemical cell further comprises a cathode electrode material disposed in the outer cavity; and a anode electrode material disposed in at least a portion of the inner cavity.