Lower Plastic Member Suction Rib Structure for Safer Demolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lower plastic member in end cover assemblies of secondary batteries is prone to damage during demolding due to the pulling force of the mold, leading to low product yield.

Innovation Solution

The lower plastic member features a suction portion with multiple first and second ribs in a crisscross pattern, forming recesses that enhance suction force, preventing damage during demolding and improving yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the lower plastic member is made thin to improve energy density per unit volume, then the energy density per unit volume of the battery is improved, but the lower plastic member is easily damaged during demolding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy density per unit volumeVSAvoiddamage resistance during demolding
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The suction portion is segmented into multiple first ribs and multiple second ribs that are parallel and spaced apart, forming a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows the suction force to be distributed across multiple smaller recesses rather than concentrated in a single large recess, reducing the stress on any single point of the thin plastic member during demolding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction portion is designed with specific local characteristics - multiple small recesses formed by the rib structure - that concentrate suction force in specific localized areas. This local quality enhancement allows the thin plastic member to maintain sufficient suction adhesion to the mold without requiring increased overall thickness, thereby preserving energy density while preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If the lower plastic member is made thin to improve energy density per unit volume, then the energy density per unit volume of the battery is improved, but the product yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy density per unit volumeVSAvoidproduct yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction portion is segmented into multiple first ribs and multiple second ribs that are parallel and spaced apart, forming a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows the suction force to be distributed across multiple smaller recesses rather than concentrated in a single large recess, reducing the stress on any single point of the thin plastic member during demolding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction portion is designed with specific local characteristics - multiple small recesses formed by the rib structure - that concentrate suction force in specific localized areas. This local quality enhancement allows the thin plastic member to maintain sufficient suction adhesion to the mold without requiring increased overall thickness, thereby preserving energy density while preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If a single large recess is used to increase suction force, then the suction force is improved, but the stability of suction force increases less compared to multiple small recesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction forceVSAvoidstability of suction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The suction portion is segmented into multiple first ribs and multiple second ribs that are parallel and spaced apart, forming a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows the suction force to be distributed across multiple smaller recesses rather than concentrated in a single large recess, reducing the stress on any single point of the thin plastic member during demolding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the parameters of the suction structure from a single large recess to multiple small recesses. This parameter change - specifically the number, size, and distribution of recesses - optimizes the suction force characteristics, providing both sufficient magnitude and enhanced stability through the distributed multi-point contact with the mold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 crisscross pattern of ribs and recesses increases suction force, reducing damage and enhancing product yield while maintaining a simple structure and low manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the recesses form an effect like a suction cup, so that the suction force between the lower plastic member and a first mold can be increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4636878A1Lower plastic member, end cover assembly, energy storage apparatus, and power consuming device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HITHIUM TECH HK LTD
  • EP4636878A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636878A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636878A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lower plastic member, an end cover assembly, an energy storage apparatus, and a power consuming device are provided. The lower plastic member is for an end cover assembly of an energy storage apparatus. The lower plastic member includes a body and a suction portion. The body has a first surface and a second surface positioned facing away from the first surface. The first surface is configured to be positioned at one side of the body facing towards an upper cover. The suction portion is disposed on the first surface. The suction portion includes multiple first ribs and multiple second ribs. The multiple first ribs are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The multiple second ribs are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The multiple first ribs and the multiple second ribs are disposed in a crisscross pattern. The multiple first ribs and the multiple second ribs cooperatively define multiple recesses. Each of the multiple recesses is recessed from the first surface towards the second surface. By providing the suction portion, during demolding of a mold, the recesses form an effect like a suction cup, so that a suction force between the lower plastic member and a first mold can be increased. A pulling force of a second mold on the lower plastic member is insufficient to separate the lower plastic member from the first mold, thereby avoiding damage to the lower plastic member and improving product yield.