Hinged Vent Fracture Mechanics for Battery Module Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery module vents are bulky and inefficient, leading to increased cost and volume, and are prone to condensation issues that negatively affect battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A hinged vent is stamped onto the inner surface of the battery module housing, featuring a fracture portion with a lower cross-sectional width that fractures at a lower pressure threshold, allowing gases to vent and the housing to bend, increasing the venting area while preventing condensation accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery module vents are used, then the venting function is provided, but the vent structure becomes bulky and increases cost and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is integrated directly into the housing wall structure, merging the vent function with the housing itself. The hinged vent is stamped onto the inner surface of the housing wall, eliminating the need for separate vent components and reducing overall volume and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged vent includes a hinge portion that allows the vent to flex and rotate. This flexible design enables the vent to open wider during pressure events, increasing venting efficiency while maintaining a compact closed state, thus reducing volume when not in use.
2Reliability
If traditional battery module vents are used, then the venting function is provided, but the venting efficiency is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged vent transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one. The hinge portion allows the vent to rotate and open wider in response to internal pressure, optimizing the venting area during critical events. This dynamic response improves venting efficiency compared to fixed traditional vents.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent is divided into distinct functional portions: a fracture portion for initial pressure relief, hinge portions for rotational movement, and connecting portions for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall venting efficiency.
3Reliability
If the fracture portion has lower cross-sectional width, then the pressure threshold for venting is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing has non-uniform wall thickness and strength characteristics. The fracture portion is strategically located and designed with lower cross-sectional width specifically where pressure relief is needed, while other portions of the housing maintain full strength. This local variation allows pressure threshold control without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent structure is segmented into fracture portions with lower strength for pressure-sensitive opening, and hinge/connecting portions with adequate strength for structural support. This segmentation allows the fracture portion to yield at the desired pressure threshold while the stronger hinge portions maintain housing integrity during the venting process.
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 hinged vent design enhances venting efficiency, reduces the risk of condensation, and maintains compatibility with traditional vehicle designs, improving battery module performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the fracture portion includes a first cross-sectional width through the wall of the housing and the hinge portion includes a second-cross sectional width through the wall of the housing greater than the first cross-sectional width
Implementation Method 2
allowing gases to vent and the housing to bend, increasing the venting area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes an electrochemical cell having a housing configured to house one or more electrodes of the electrochemical cell. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface facing the one or more electrodes. The electrochemical cell also includes a hinged vent stamped on the inner surface of the housing, where the hinged vent includes a fracture portion, a hinge portion on either side of the fracture portion extending substantially parallel to the fracture portion, and connecting portions extending between the fracture portion and the hinge portions. The fracture portion includes a first cross-sectional width through the wall of the housing and the hinge portion includes a second-cross sectional width through the wall of the housing greater than the first cross-sectional width.