Insulating Member on Coupling Plate Limits Short Circuit Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face safety issues due to heat generation from electric short circuits, particularly when a needle-shaped object penetrates the battery, leading to excessive current flow and potential fires.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an insulating member on the coupling plate and terminal plate, which limits the current path and reduces heat generation by controlling the amount of current flowing during an electric short circuit, thereby enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling plate provides a complete current path for electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but heat generation increases during electric short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate has different electrical conductivity in different regions: the first region (center) maintains high conductivity for normal electrical connection, while the second region (peripheral) has reduced conductivity through insulating member coverage to limit short circuit current. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between reliable electrical connection and heat reduction during short circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plate is divided into functional regions: a first region for primary electrical connection and a second region for limited current flow. The insulating member is positioned to cover specific areas, segmenting the current path. This segmentation allows the plate to provide reliable electrical connection where needed while restricting harmful current flow in other areas during short circuit conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an insulating member is added to limit current flow, then heat generation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the cap plate and terminal plate, mechanically secures the terminal assembly, and through selective insulation, limits short circuit current. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving heat reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member acts as an intermediary element that modifies the electrical properties of the coupling plate without requiring complete redesign of the terminal assembly. It is integrated into the existing coupling plate structure, serving as a mediator between the conductive plate and the safety requirement, thus minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces heat generation and improves safety by limiting the current flow during an electric short circuit, even if a needle-shaped object penetrates the battery, thereby preventing potential fires and ensuring the battery's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member on at least one area of the coupling plate... limits the current path and reduces heat generation by controlling the amount of current flowing
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a case containing the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing an opening of the case; a collector terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding through the cap plate; a coupling plate on the cap plate; an insulating member on at least one area of the coupling plate; and a terminal plate on the coupling plate and coupled to the collector terminal.