Cylindrical Battery Pressure Sensing for Swelling and Core Collapse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cylindrical batteries face issues with current collection efficiency and heat generation due to strip-shaped electrode tabs, leading to potential ignition during rapid charging, and suffer from swelling pressure-related stress that can cause core collapse and internal short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A tab-less cylindrical battery design with current collectors welded to the uncoated portions of the electrodes, combined with a pressure sensor to monitor swelling pressure and prevent core collapse by adjusting electrode positions and transmitting pressure data wirelessly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If strip-shaped electrode tabs are used for current collection, then the battery structure is simple, but current collection efficiency is poor and heat generation is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode tab structure simplicityVSAvoidcurrent collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the current collection function into multiple current collectors positioned at different locations along the electrode assembly. Instead of relying on a single strip-shaped tab, multiple current collectors are distributed along the length of the electrode assembly, segmenting the current collection path to reduce resistance and improve efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If strip-shaped electrode tabs are used, then manufacturing is easier, but heat generation during rapid charging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode tab structure simplicityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If electrode assembly swells during charging, then capacity increases, but swelling pressure causes core collapse and internal short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode assembly capacityVSAvoidcore structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pressure sensor before swelling causes damage, enabling early detection of swelling pressure buildup. The system monitors pressure in real-time and can trigger protective measures before core collapse occurs, preventing internal short circuits while allowing beneficial swelling for capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If pressure sensor is added to monitor swelling pressure, then core collapse prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore collapse preventionVSAvoidsensor and monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a compact pressure sensor that uses electrical or electronic measurement principles. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the monitoring system while maintaining reliable detection of swelling pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Loss of information

If wireless communication is implemented for pressure data transmission, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure data transmission capabilityVSAvoidbattery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wireless transmission of pressure data instead of continuous transmission. The pressure sensor monitors continuously but transmits data at predetermined intervals or when threshold values are reached, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Improves current collection efficiency, reduces heat generation, and effectively monitors swelling pressure to prevent core collapse and internal short circuits, enhancing safety and performance.

Implementation Method 1

transmit the sensed swelling pressure to the outside through wireless communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS20240410953A1Cylindrical battery including pressure sensor, apparatus for monitoring swelling pressure thereof, and battery management system including the same

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A cylindrical battery includes an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound based on a winding axis to define a core and an outer circumference; a battery housing having an open end and a closed portion opposing thereto; the battery housing being electrically connected to one of the first electrode and the second electrode; a sealing body configured to seal the open end of the battery housing; a terminal electrically connected to another of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a pressure sensor interposed between an outer circumference of the electrode assembly and an inner circumference of the battery housing and configured to sense a swelling pressure applied by the outer circumference of the electrode assembly to the inner circumference of the battery housing.