Segmented Cylindrical Battery Top Cap for Thermal Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical batteries suffer from deformation and potential runaway due to electrode assembly expansion and thermal energy accumulation during charging/discharging, especially when high-capacity and high-output requirements are needed.
Innovation Solution
The cylindrical battery design incorporates electrically separated top cap assemblies with insulators and gas storage units to prevent deformation and enable rapid discharge of thermal energy, using insulators to move and protrude when pressure builds, allowing gas to be safely vented and potentially using fire extinguishing gases to prevent fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional cylindrical battery with a single top cap is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrode assembly deforms and stress concentrates during charging/discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The top cap is divided into multiple separate top caps (first top cap and second top cap) that are electrically isolated from each other by an insulator. Each top cap is independently connected to respective electrode assemblies, allowing independent expansion and contraction without stress concentration on a single rigid structure, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Power
If high-capacity and high-output electrodes are used, then energy density and power output increase, but thermal energy accumulates and runaway may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple independently capped electrode assemblies, each with its own top cap and insulator. This segmentation allows thermal energy to be contained within individual assemblies rather than accumulating across the entire battery, reducing the risk of runaway propagation while maintaining high power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second top caps. This insulator not only provides electrical isolation but also acts as a thermal barrier, preventing rapid heat transfer between adjacent electrode assemblies and reducing the likelihood of thermal runaway spreading.
3Reliability
If electrically separated top cap assemblies with insulators are used, then deformation is prevented and thermal energy can be discharged rapidly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation between the first and second top caps, acts as a thermal barrier to prevent heat transfer, and serves as a structural support element that maintains the spatial arrangement of the electrode assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved safety.
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 design effectively prevents deformation and runaway by minimizing stress concentration and enabling rapid thermal energy discharge, enhancing safety and performance in high-capacity applications.
Implementation Method 1
allowing gas to be safely vented
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cylindrical battery including electrode assemblies, and top cap assemblies located on the upper part of the electrode assemblies, wherein the top cap assemblies are electrically separated from each other by an insulator.