Battery Cell Pole Cap Decoupling for Leak-Tight Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The mechanical transfer of contact pressure to pole caps in electrochemical cells can impair the adhesive effect of seals, leading to electrolyte leaks due to manufacturing tolerances and design limitations in existing battery systems.

Innovation Solution

A coupling element is introduced to mechanically bridge the seal between the pole cap and the housing, decoupling the seal from direct force transmission, allowing it to be positioned between the closure plate and the pole cap without overloading, and optionally combining with the seal to enhance sealing and mechanical bridging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seal is positioned between the terminal cap and the cell housing, then sealing is achieved, but the constant contact pressure forces the seal through the terminal cap towards the cell housing resulting in mechanical overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidseal mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element serves as a mediator that intercepts the contact pressure before it reaches the seal, redirecting the force to the housing structure instead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element is pre-positioned to engage with the contact plate and establish a force transmission path to the housing before the seal is subjected to any pressure loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures a reliable, fluid-tight seal by distributing forces effectively, preventing seal detachment and maintaining sealing integrity under pressure, thereby enhancing the safety and longevity of electrochemical cells.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling element enables the mechanical decoupling of the seal between the terminal cap and the end plate, as the forces are directed to the terminal cap and, via the coupling element, to the end plate and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

the contact plate can have spring-loaded sections that project laterally and/or at the end face of the pole cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the contact plate can have spring-loaded sections that project laterally and/or at the end face of the pole cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 4

a seal is provided which is configured to seal the gap between the pole cap and the end plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4362181A1Arrangement for the mechanical decoupling of post caps of a battery cell
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 CELLFORCE GROUP GMBH
  • EP4362181A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4362181A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4362181A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (10), in particular a pole arrangement of an electrochemical cell (100), comprising an end housing section (11) in which a pole cap (12) with at least one contact plate (13) is arranged, wherein the pole cap (12) is locked at a pole cap base (42) at least partially relative to the housing section (11) by a circumferential sealing plate (17), wherein a circumferential gap is formed between the pole cap (12) and the sealing plate (13), which is sealed, wherein the arrangement (10) comprises a coupling element (30) which is configured to mechanically couple the contact plate (13) and/or the pole cap (12) directly or indirectly to the sealing plate (17) and/or the housing section (11). The invention further relates to an electrochemical cell (100).