Power Storage Module Insulation Layout for Short-Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage modules face issues of reduced energy density and potential short circuits due to pressure differences causing electrode deformation and foreign object penetration, which can lead to sealing part breakage.
Innovation Solution
The power storage module employs thicker insulating members in specific regions to prevent foreign object penetration and maintain gas holding capacity, while using insulating films and separators to insulate electrodes and seal regions under reduced pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of each separator is increased to prevent short circuit, then the reliability is improved, but the volume of the gas-holding region decreases, causing the sealing part to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different separator thicknesses at different locations: the first separator (at the outermost positive electrode) has a greater thickness than the second separator (at the outermost negative electrode). This local differentiation allows the critical region where foreign objects are most likely to penetrate to have enhanced protection, while other regions maintain sufficient but thinner separators to preserve gas-holding volume.
2Reliability
If the area of the electrode layer is decreased to avoid pressure increase, then the sealing part breakage is prevented, but the energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates electrode-free portions at specific locations (outer regions) where separators are thicker, rather than uniformly reducing electrode area. This allows the electrode layer to maintain its area in critical regions for energy density while creating localized buffer zones for pressure management.
3Quantity of substance
If the electrode layer area is maintained high for energy density, then the energy density is improved, but the sealing part can break due to pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode-free portions from the main electrode layer, creating distinct buffer zones at the outer regions. These segmented regions act as independent pressure relief zones that prevent pressure transmission to the sealing parts, allowing the main electrode layer to maintain high area for energy density.
4Reliability
If thicker insulating members are used to prevent foreign object penetration, then the reliability is improved, but the gas holding capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the greater thickness of the first separator specifically in the outer region where foreign object penetration risk is highest, while the second separator in the inner region can be thinner since it is less exposed to foreign objects. This localized thickening provides protection where needed while preserving gas-holding capacity in other regions.
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 design prevents short circuits and maintains energy density by inhibiting foreign object penetration and reducing the need for larger electrode-free regions, thus minimizing sealing part breakage and pressure increases.
Implementation Method 1
a first insulating member that insulates the outermost positive electrode from the bipolar electrode among the plurality of bipolar electrodes facing the outermost positive electrode; a second insulating member that insulates the outermost negative electrode from the bipolar electrode among the plurality of bipolar electrodes facing the outermost negative electrode
Implementation Method 2
a first sealing part that seals a first outer region in a state where pressure of the first outer region is below atmospheric pressure; a second sealing part that seals a second outer region in a state where pressure of the second outer region is below atmospheric pressure; an inner sealing part that seals an inner region in a state where pressure of the inner region is below atmospheric pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A power storage module (1) comprises a plurality of bipolar electrodes (100), an outermost positive electrode (200), an outermost negative electrode (300), a first sealing part (410), a second sealing part (420), an inner sealing part (430), a first insulating member (500), a second insulating member (600), and an inner insulating member (710). At a periphery of each positive electrode current-collecting foil (111), a positive-electrode-free portion (111a) is formed, and at a periphery of each negative electrode current-collecting foil (112), a negative-electrode-free portion (112a) is formed. The first insulating member (500) includes a first outer insulating part (515), the second insulating member (600) includes a second outer insulating part (615), and the inner insulating member (710) includes an inner insulating part (712). Each of a thickness of the first outer insulating part (515) and a thickness of the second outer insulating part (615) is more than a thickness of the inner insulating part (712).