End Cover Assembly With Flow-Guiding Groove for Electrolyte Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy storage apparatuses, electrolyte can accumulate in the gap between the lower plastic member and the end cover due to vibration, leading to waste and reduced utilization.
Innovation Solution
An end cover assembly with limiting protrusion portions and a current-collector disk that guides electrolyte flow back to the electrode assembly, preventing leakage and improving utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy storage apparatus is subjected to vibration, then the electrolyte may enter the gap between the lower plastic member and the end cover, but this causes electrolyte accumulation and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding groove, formed by the limiting protrusion portion, converts the harmful electrolyte accumulation in the gap into a beneficial flow path that redirects electrolyte back to the electrode assembly. The groove captures electrolyte that would otherwise be wasted and guides it back to where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting protrusion portion acts as an intermediary structure between the lower plastic member and the end cover. It creates the flow guiding groove that mediates the electrolyte flow, preventing direct accumulation in the gap while providing a controlled path back to the electrode assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower plastic member is secured to the end cover, then assembly stability is improved, but electrolyte may still accumulate in the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The lower plastic member is segmented with a limiting protrusion portion that creates a distinct flow guiding groove. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability while simultaneously providing a dedicated path for electrolyte flow control, separating the functions of structural support and fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting protrusion portion introduces a local structural feature on the lower plastic member. This local modification creates the flow guiding groove that controls electrolyte flow in the gap region, while the rest of the lower plastic member maintains its structural integrity and stability function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the current-collector disk is positioned to limit the lower plastic member, then assembly precision is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current-collector disk is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an electrical conductor and simultaneously acts as a limiting structure for the lower plastic member. The limiting protrusion portion on the lower plastic member provides both structural support and defines the flow guiding groove, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of limiting the lower plastic member is merged with the current-collector disk structure. The limiting protrusion portion and the flow guiding groove are integrated into the existing assembly, combining structural limitation and fluid guidance functions in a unified design that minimizes additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An end cover assembly, an energy storage apparatus, and an electricity-consumption device are provided in the present disclosure. The end cover assembly includes an end cover (10), a lower plastic member (20), a terminal post (30), and a current-collector disk (60). The lower plastic member (20) includes a lower-plastic-member body (21) and a limiting protrusion portion (22). The limiting protrusion portion is implemented as two limiting protrusion portions that both protrude from the second surface. Each of the two limiting protrusion portions has a first sidewall surface (221), a second sidewall surface (222), and an end surface (223). The first sidewall surface is inclined. The second sidewall surface is inclined. The end surface is connected between the first sidewall surface and the second sidewall surface. Each of the two limiting protrusion portions defines a flow guiding groove (224). The current-collector disk (60) includes a connecting portion (62) and a disk body (61). In the thickness of the end cover assembly, the disk body (61) is positioned at one side of the two limiting protrusion portions (22) positioned facing away from the lower-plastic-member body (20). An orthographic projection of the disk body (61) on the second surface is positioned within the lower-plastic-member body (20). An orthographic projection of the end surface of each of the two limiting protrusion portions (22) on the second surface is positioned within the orthographic projection of the disk body (61) on the second surface. In the present disclosure, the utilization rate of the electrolyte can be improved.