Coin Cell Holder Assembly With Venting for Thermal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery safety testing methods face challenges in maintaining the integrity of coin cells during thermal analysis, as they deform and disassemble due to internal pressure, leading to unreliable calorimetric measurements and preventing analysis across the entire temperature range.
Innovation Solution
A battery material holder assembly that maintains the integrity of coin cells during thermal analysis, allowing simultaneous electrochemical and evolved gas analysis, by using reinforced housings and venting mechanisms to prevent disassembly and ensure thermal contact with the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional coin cell housing is used during thermal analysis, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the coin cell undergoes deformation and yielding due to internal pressure, leading to loss of structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments including a cup, lid, and reinforcement members that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity under thermal stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - the cup and lid provide containment while reinforcement members (such as metal rings or ribs) add structural strength. This composite approach enables the housing to withstand internal pressure without excessive deformation.
2Temperature
If standard sealing gaskets are used in coin cells, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the gasket melts at temperatures above 150° C., causing the lid and cup to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing approach is changed from relying on polymer gasket material properties to using mechanical interference fits, threaded connections, or high-temperature resistant sealing materials. This parameter change enables the seal to maintain integrity at temperatures where conventional gaskets would melt.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable polymer gasket is removed or replaced with a more thermally stable sealing mechanism. The sealing function is extracted from the gasket material itself and implemented through alternative means such as metal-to-metal seals or mechanical fastening systems that do not rely on polymer melting resistance.
3Temperature
If coin cells are heated above the sealing gasket melting point, then thermal analysis can extend to higher temperatures, but the coin cell rapidly disassembles and battery materials are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates predetermined stress relief mechanisms such as controlled vent paths, expansion gaps, or yield points in the reinforcement structure. These features cushion the thermal expansion and pressure buildup before they can cause catastrophic disassembly, allowing the cell to withstand higher temperatures while maintaining structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement members and structural design proactively counteract the forces that would cause disassembly. The housing geometry and fastening mechanisms are designed to resist the specific thermal expansion and pressure forces expected during high-temperature operation, preventing lid-cup separation before it occurs.
4Measurement precision
If coin cells deform during thermal testing, then thermal analysis can be performed, but the contact resistance between the coin cell and calorimetry sensor changes dynamically, obfuscating meaningful thermal analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical contact between the coin cell and sensor is replaced or supplemented with a more stable coupling mechanism. This may involve thermal conductive adhesives, indium foil interfaces, or spring-loaded contact systems that maintain constant pressure and thermal contact despite thermal expansion, eliminating dynamic contact resistance 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
Enables reliable thermal analysis across a wide temperature range without disassembly, facilitating accurate calorimetric, electrochemical, and gas analysis, and providing insights into battery safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
calorimetry measurements taken across a wide temperature range, from sub-ambient to 600° C. or more
Implementation Method 2
allowing for other analysis, such as electrochemical analysis (ECA) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) to be performed simultaneously with heat flow measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A battery material containment device comprises a lid; a housing case that is constructed and arranged to hold a battery material during a thermal analysis operation, the housing case including a threaded region for receiving and removably coupling with the lid to form a gas-tight seal and securing the battery material in the housing case; at least one vent for providing a gas flow path for the release of gasses generated by the battery material in the housing case during the thermal analysis operation; and a heat flow pathway between the battery material and a sensor that is maintained during the thermal analysis operation.