End Cover Assembly Layout for Vibration-Induced Electrolyte Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of electrolyte accumulation in the gap between the lower plastic member and the end cover of energy storage apparatuses due to vibration, leading to waste and reduced utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of limiting protrusion portions on the lower plastic member, which guide electrolyte flow back to the current-collector disk and prevent leakage, combined with a design that shields the flow guiding grooves when the apparatus is inverted, ensuring efficient electrolyte utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy storage apparatus is subjected to vibration, then the electrolyte flows into the gap between the lower plastic member and the end cover, but this causes electrolyte accumulation and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful gap space between the lower plastic member and end cover by introducing a limiting protrusion portion that occupies this space. The protrusion portion defines a flow guiding groove that channels electrolyte away from the harmful gap, effectively removing the problem area while maintaining the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting protrusion portion acts as an intermediary element between the lower plastic member and the end cover. It introduces a new component (the protrusion with flow guiding groove) that mediates the electrolyte flow path, preventing direct accumulation in the gap while maintaining the seal and structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lower plastic member is designed with a simple structure, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the electrolyte flow control capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lower plastic member is segmented into functional zones: the main body structure and the limiting protrusion portion. This segmentation allows the simple main body to maintain ease of manufacture while the added protrusion portion provides the precise electrolyte flow control function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adding the limiting protrusion portion only in the specific area where electrolyte flow control is needed, rather than redesigning the entire lower plastic member. This localized modification maintains overall manufacturing simplicity while providing precise flow control where required.
3Productivity
If the flow guiding groove is exposed, then the electrolyte can flow freely, but the assembly stability is reduced and interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding groove is nested within the limiting protrusion portion, which itself is part of the lower plastic member structure. This nested arrangement allows the groove to be protected and positioned stably within the assembly, preventing interference while maintaining electrolyte flow functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting protrusion portion with the flow guiding groove is designed in advance to prevent electrolyte from entering the harmful gap. The groove structure preliminarily directs the electrolyte flow in a controlled path, preventing the harmful accumulation before it can occur during vibration or inversion.
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
Prevents electrolyte waste by guiding it back to the electrode assembly, improving utilization and maintaining assembly stability, while preventing interference and damage.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the two limiting protrusion portions defines a flow guiding groove. In the thickness direction of the end cover assembly, the flow guiding groove extends through the first surface and the end surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An end cover assembly, an energy storage apparatus, and an electricity-consumption device are provided. The end cover assembly includes an end cover, a lower plastic member, a terminal post, and a current-collector disk. The lower plastic member includes a lower-plastic-member body and a limiting protrusion portion. Each limiting protrusion portion has a first sidewall surface, a second sidewall surface, and an end surface. The current-collector disk includes a connecting portion and a disk body. In the thickness of the end cover assembly, the disk body is positioned at one side of the limiting protrusion portion positioned facing away from the lower-plastic-member body. An orthographic projection of the disk body on the second surface is positioned within the lower-plastic-member body. An orthographic projection of the end surface of each limiting protrusion portion on the second surface is positioned within the orthographic projection of the disk body on the second surface.