External Fuse Design for Rechargeable Battery Arc Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face instability and risk of explosion due to excessive heat and electrolyte decomposition, which can lead to internal pressure increases, and existing fuse designs may generate arcs that further degrade the battery when broken.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring a fuse part externally located, with a bent structure connecting two plates and a deformable short circuit tab, allowing for easy assembly and reducing mechanical strength issues, and incorporating through holes for easy installation and arc containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuse part is disposed inside the rechargeable battery, then the discharging line can be effectively disconnected during overcharging or external short, but arc may be generated at the broken portion when the broken gap is narrow, affecting the electrolyte solution and causing firing or explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse part is extracted from the interior of the rechargeable battery and disposed on the exterior surface of the cap plate. This extraction removes the source of harmful arcs from the battery interior, preventing arcs from affecting the electrolyte solution while maintaining the fuse's protective disconnection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap plate serves as an intermediary structure that mounts the fuse part on its exterior surface while maintaining electrical connections to the battery terminals. This intermediary placement allows the fuse to function externally, isolating arc generation from the battery's internal electrolyte and components.
2Reliability
If the fuse part is disposed on the exterior of the cap plate, then arc stability is improved, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse part is merged with the cap plate by mounting it directly on the exterior surface of the cap plate. This integration combines the fuse assembly with an existing battery component, avoiding the need for separate fuse housings or additional structural elements, thereby simplifying the overall assembly while achieving external fuse placement.
3Reliability
If a narrow broken gap is used in the fuse, then the disconnect function is more effective, but arc generation is increased when the fuse breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse part is extracted from the battery interior and positioned externally on the cap plate. This extraction ensures that even when the fuse breaks with a narrow gap for effective disconnection, any arcs generated are confined to the external environment and cannot contact the electrolyte solution or internal components, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of arc generation.
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 external fuse design enhances battery stability and freedom of design, preventing internal damage from arcs and maintaining structural integrity even after the fuse breaks, thus reducing the risk of explosion and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the fuse part is broken due to the melting
Implementation Method 2
after the fuse part is broken, arc may be generated at the broken portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment provides a rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly (10). The electrode assembly (10) comprises a first and a second electrode (11, 12), a case (15) accommodating the electrode assembly, an electrode terminal member (21 c) at an exterior of the case (15) and electrically connected to the first electrode (11). The electrode terminal member (21 c) comprises a first plate (111) and a second plate (112) spaced apart from each other and interconnected with a bent fuse (60).