Galvanic Element Housing with Localized Nickel Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing galvanic element housings require extensive surface coating for corrosion protection and contact, leading to material wastage and complex production processes.
Innovation Solution
The housing is coated on the inside and outside with nickel or cobalt-based materials, with coatings only applied to the end areas and the intermediate region left uncoated, and an insulating layer covers the entire outside except for contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing is completely coated with nickel or cobalt-based materials on the outside, then corrosion protection and contact are ensured, but material usage and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different coating qualities to different regions of the housing. The end areas (where electrical contacts are made) receive complete nickel or cobalt-based coating for optimal conductivity and corrosion resistance, while the intermediate area remains uncoated or receives minimal coating. This localized quality approach ensures reliability where needed while minimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: coated end areas for electrical contact and uncoated intermediate areas for insulation and material savings. This segmentation allows each region to have the specific properties needed for its function, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive protection and material efficiency.
2Reliability
If the housing is completely coated with nickel or cobalt-based materials on the outside, then corrosion protection and contact are ensured, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By applying coating only to the end areas where electrical contacts are made, the production process becomes simpler. The intermediate area requires no coating, reducing the complexity of the galvanic coating process while maintaining optimal contact quality at the critical contact points.
3Reliability
If the entire outer surface is coated, then uniform protection is provided, but material wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing uniform coating only where it is functionally necessary (end areas for contacts) while leaving other areas uncoated. This eliminates material wastage on the intermediate area where coating would not provide additional functional benefit, while maintaining uniform protection where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying coating to the entire surface (excessive action), the patent applies coating only to the necessary end areas (partial action). This partial coating approach provides sufficient protection and contact quality without the material wastage of complete surface coating.
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 approach significantly reduces material usage while ensuring effective contact and corrosion protection, allowing for simpler production methods.
Implementation Method 1
these housings have a galvanic surface coating made of nickel or a nickel/cobalt coating
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing for a galvanic element as a device battery, comprising an outer cup made of metal or plastic, which outer cup is coated, in particular galvanically, on the inside and outside with nickel or tin or cobalt or with an alloy containing nickel/cobalt, wherein the outer coating is arranged only in the two end areas of the cup, and the outer intermediate area between the two end areas does not have a coating. The invention further relates to a method for producing a housing for a galvanic element.