Elastic Polymer Battery Assembly Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries face deformation issues due to excessive temperature, leading to unstable reactions and potential explosion, particularly when the center pin in the electrode assembly is deformed, which deteriorates the battery's performance and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic member and a polymer member within the electrode assembly, where the polymer member is designed to dissolve in the electrolyte solution, releasing compression on the elastic member and maintaining the electrode assembly's shape, thereby preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electrode assembly is supported rigidly to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but deformation under thermal stress cannot be accommodated, leading to center pin deformation and potential explosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode assembly shape stabilityVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member transitions from a rigid structure to an elastic structure that can change its mechanical properties. The elastic support member can deform elastically under thermal stress to accommodate expansion and contraction, preventing center pin deformation while maintaining electrode assembly shape stability through its elastic restoring force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The elastic support member can adjust its position and shape in response to thermal stress, allowing the electrode assembly to expand and contract without causing center pin deformation, thus improving both shape stability and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the center pin is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but thermal stress cannot be relieved, leading to electrode assembly deformation and potential explosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter pin strengthVSAvoidthermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support member changes from a rigid component to an elastic component with adjustable mechanical properties. This elastic support member can absorb thermal stress through elastic deformation while maintaining sufficient strength to prevent electrode assembly deformation, resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal stress relief.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member acts as an intermediary between the rigid center pin and the external thermal environment. It provides mechanical support to the center pin while simultaneously absorbing and dissipating thermal stress, preventing both center pin deformation and electrode assembly deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the electrode assembly is tightly constrained to prevent deformation, then shape stability is improved, but thermal expansion is restricted, causing center pin deformation and potential explosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode assembly shapeVSAvoidthermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed as a dynamic elastic structure rather than a rigid constraint. It can adjust its shape and position in response to thermal expansion, allowing the electrode assembly to expand and contract freely while maintaining overall shape stability through its elastic restoring force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member functions similarly to a flexible structure that can deform to accommodate thermal expansion. It provides gentle constraining force to maintain electrode assembly shape while allowing sufficient movement for thermal expansion, preventing center pin deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 stabilizes the electrode assembly, preventing deformation and maintaining performance even at high temperatures, ensuring stable power output and safety by allowing the elastic member to expand and press the assembly securely within the case.

Implementation Method 1

the polymer member is designed to dissolve in the electrolyte solution, releasing compression on the elastic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member at an interior of the electrode assembly and being configured to exert an elastic force on the electrode assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9343718B2Rechargeable battery

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an elastic member at an interior of the electrode assembly and being configured to exert an elastic force on the electrode assembly, a polymer member between the elastic member and the electrode assembly, and a case for housing the electrode assembly, the elastic member, and the polymer member.