Pouch Battery Cell Assembly with Intermediate Terminal and Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pouch battery cells face challenges in sealing robustness at electrode tabs, venting control, and electrolyte filling during manufacturing and utilization for traction batteries in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A pouch battery cell assembly with a housing, intermediate terminal members, and terminal tabs, featuring a pressure-sensitive release mechanism for venting gases and an access port for electrolyte injection, where the terminal tabs are embedded within the intermediate terminal members, and the housing is made of a conformal polymer/aluminum laminate for enhanced sealing and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminal tabs are directly sealed to the housing, then sealing is simpler, but sealing robustness at electrode tabs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate terminal member is introduced between the terminal tab and the housing to serve as a mediator. This intermediate member provides a dedicated sealing interface with the housing while the terminal tab is embedded within it, creating a more robust sealing arrangement that distributes sealing stresses and improves reliability at the electrode tab connection point.
2Reliability
If the housing is completely sealed, then electrolyte retention is improved, but venting control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing transitions from a static completely sealed structure to a dynamic sealed structure with a pressure-sensitive release mechanism. This mechanism remains sealed under normal operating conditions to retain electrolyte but automatically opens to vent gases when internal pressure exceeds a threshold, providing adaptive control that responds to changing operational conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the access port is large for electrolyte injection, then electrolyte filling is easier, but venting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access port serves dual functions through dynamic operation: it remains open during electrolyte injection to facilitate easy filling, then closes and seals to become a precise venting aperture. The pressure-sensitive release mechanism controls the venting function with precision despite the port's larger size accommodating injection equipment.
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 improves sealing robustness, facilitates controlled venting, and ensures effective electrolyte injection, enhancing the reliability and performance of pouch battery cell assemblies in traction batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensitive release mechanism may be disposed within the access port to selectively vent gases from the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The housing may be made of a conformal polymer/aluminum laminate vacuum sealed
Data Source
AI summary
A pouch battery cell assembly for a traction battery includes a housing, a first intermediate terminal member, and a first terminal tab. The housing defines a cavity. The first intermediate terminal member is disposed at least partially within the housing and defines an access port open to an exterior of the housing and the cavity which may be sized for electrolyte injection. The first terminal tab is embedded within the first intermediate terminal member. A pressure sensitive release mechanism may be disposed within the access port to selectively vent gases from the cavity. A second intermediate terminal member may be at least partially disposed within the housing and a second terminal tab may be embedded within the second intermediate terminal member.