Adjustable Gas Discharge Mechanism for Pouch Battery Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pouch type secondary battery designs require a complete replacement when the gas discharge reference pressure needs to be adjusted, limiting flexibility in meeting varying gas discharge requirements for different electronic and mechanical devices.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design that includes a case with partitions to suppress pouch type battery cell expansion, a punching unit with adjustable pin members, and an adjusting mechanism to change the gas discharge reference pressure without altering the battery cell design, allowing for flexible adjustment of gas discharge settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gas discharge reference pressure is changed to meet different device requirements, then the adaptability to various electronic/mechanical devices is improved, but the battery cell design must be completely changed and replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discharge reference pressure adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery cell design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the battery system into two independent parts: the pouch type battery cell (which maintains fixed design) and the battery pack (which contains adjustable gas discharge control means). This segmentation allows the gas discharge reference pressure to be adjusted at the battery pack level without changing the battery cell design, thereby improving adaptability while avoiding design complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a gas discharge control means as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the external environment. This intermediary (comprising puncturing members, adjustment members, and reference pressure setting means) mediates the gas discharge process, allowing reference pressure adjustment without modifying the battery cell itself, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pouch type battery cell is entirely replaced to change gas discharge reference pressure, then the gas discharge reference pressure requirement is met, but the loss of time and replacement cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discharge reference pressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the gas discharge reference pressure dynamic and adjustable through the adjustment member and reference pressure setting means, rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This allows the reference pressure to be changed in real-time or as needed without replacing the battery cell, dramatically reducing the time loss associated with replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gas discharge control means is pre-installed in the battery pack during manufacturing, with adjustable reference pressure settings prepared in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for future replacements when reference pressure adjustments are needed, preventing time loss that would otherwise occur during device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing part design is changed to adjust gas discharge reference pressure, then the gas discharge characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas discharge reference pressure variabilityVSAvoidsealing part design ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the gas discharge control function from the sealing part of the battery cell and relocates it to the battery pack as a separate gas discharge control means. This extraction allows the sealing part to maintain its original simple design for ease of manufacture, while the control function is implemented independently through puncturing members and adjustment mechanisms in the battery pack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas discharge control means serves as an intermediary that provides reference pressure variability without requiring changes to the sealing part design. This intermediary component system (with its adjustment member and reference pressure setting means) handles the complexity of pressure adjustment, leaving the sealing part manufacturing simple and easy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9806311B2Battery pack capable of discharging gases in pouch type battery cell

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery pack capable of discharging gases in a pouch type battery cell when a gas pressure inside the pouch type battery cell is increased over a reference pressure, the battery pack including: a plurality of pouch type battery cells; a case comprising partitions suppressing the pouch type battery cells from expanding in a thickness direction thereof, wherein the pouch type battery cells are respectively held in spaces defined by the partitions; and a punching unit installed on the case to pierce a portion of surfaces of the pouch type battery cells, which is not supported by the partition, and having pin members of which number is equal to that of the pouch type battery cells.