Battery Top Cover Gas Exhaust Valve for Slow Pressure Buildup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, face increased internal pressure due to slow gas production, leading to bulging and deformation, which current venting solutions cannot effectively manage without causing failure of disposable components.

Innovation Solution

A top cover assembly with a gas exhaust valve system, comprising a deformable valve sleeve and a valve part, allows controlled gas exhaustion through a gas exhaust passage, preventing excessive pressure buildup while maintaining the integrity of the battery's deformable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a disposable vent is used to exhaust gas, then gas pressure can be reduced, but the vent will fail and the battery is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal pressureVSAvoidbattery integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gas exhaust valve performs self-service through the deformable valve sleeve that automatically opens when gas pressure exceeds the elastic restoring force, and self-closes when pressure drops, eliminating the need for disposable components or external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The valve sleeve's deformation state changes based on gas pressure parameters - it remains elastic at normal pressure to maintain sealing, and deforms plastically or elastically at high pressure to open the exhaust passage, dynamically adapting to pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If gas is slowly produced inside the battery, then internal pressure increases gradually, but current vents cannot solve this problem

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal pressureVSAvoidgas exhaust efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable valve sleeve provides continuous feedback on internal pressure conditions - when slow gas production causes pressure to gradually exceed the elastic restoring force, the valve sleeve deforms to open the exhaust passage, and automatically closes when pressure drops, creating a self-regulating feedback mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the valve sleeve deforms under gas force, then gas exhaust passage is formed, but the vent may fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas pressureVSAvoidvent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve sleeve transitions between elastic and plastic deformation states based on gas pressure - elastic deformation allows reversible opening/closing for normal operation, while plastic deformation provides permanent deformation at extreme pressures to prevent catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The valve sleeve is made of elastomeric material that combines elastic and plastic deformation characteristics, creating a composite mechanical response that provides both operational flexibility and failure protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively reduces internal pressure from slow gas production without deforming the battery's components or failing the vent, thereby enhancing the safety and performance of secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the valve sleeve is configured to deform under a force applied by gas exhausted from the gas exhaust hole so as to form the gas exhaust passage between the valve sleeve and the valve part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the valve sleeve is configured to deform under a force applied by gas exhausted from the gas exhaust hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the valve sleeve is configured to be in tight coupling with the valve part when the force applied by the gas is smaller than a force under which the valve sleeve begins to deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3570344B1Secondary battery and top cover assembly thereof
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3570344B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3570344B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3570344B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a top cover assembly of a secondary battery. The top cover assembly includes: a top cover plate and a gas exhaust valve mounted in the top cover plate. The gas exhaust valve includes a valve body, a valve sleeve and a valve cover. The valve body includes a valve part, and the valve part is provided with a gas exhaust hole that communicates with an interior of the secondary battery. The valve cover seals and is connected to the valve body to form an accommodation space. The valve sleeve is located in the accommodation space, and the valve sleeve covers the valve part. A gas exhaust passage is disposed between the valve sleeve and the valve part, the valve cover is provided with a venting hole that communicates with outside, and the gas exhaust passage communicates with the gas exhaust hole and the venting hole.