Expandable Spacer Structure for Wrinkle-Resistant Power Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The laminate-exterior-package battery may form wrinkles at the corners of the boundary between the laminate exterior package and the spacer, which can lead to structural issues and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module is designed with a spacer having a sealed internal space made from an expandable material, where the internal pressure of the spacer is set higher than that of the laminate exterior package, allowing the spacer to expand and fill the space between the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacer is disposed between the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package, then the electrode assembly is positioned and supported, but wrinkles are formed at the corners of the boundary between the laminate exterior package and the spacer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the spacer material from rigid to expandable, allowing it to transition from a compact state during assembly to an expanded state that fills gaps and prevents wrinkle formation in the laminate exterior package
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is pre-positioned in a compressed state during assembly, and then expands afterward to fill the space between the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package, preventing wrinkle formation before it occurs
2Ease of manufacture
If the spacer is made from rigid material, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot fill the space effectively when the electrode assembly moves relative to the laminate exterior package
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic expandable structure that can adapt its volume and shape to fill spaces effectively, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the internal pressure of the laminate exterior package is high, then the package structure is stable, but the spacer cannot expand to fill the space between the electrode assembly and the package
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is positioned in a compressed state during package assembly when high pressure is needed for stability, then expands afterward when the package is sealed and stable, allowing both package stability and spacer expansion to coexist at different stages
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
This configuration effectively suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the laminate exterior package, enhances structural integrity, and maintains performance even when the electrode assembly moves relative to the laminate exterior package.
Implementation Method 1
an internal pressure of the laminate exterior package is set lower than an internal pressure of the spacer, and the spacer expands in such a manner to fill a space between the end surface of the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage module includes: an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes stacked on each other; a laminate exterior package housing the electrode assembly; and a spacer having a sealed internal space and being disposed between an end surface of the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package. The spacer is made from a material capable of expanding the internal space. An internal pressure of the laminate exterior package is set lower than an internal pressure of the spacer. The spacer expands in such a manner to fill a space between the end surface of the electrode assembly and the laminate exterior package.