Power Storage Module Surplus Space Alkali Creep

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power storage modules, the alkali creep phenomenon can cause electrolytic solutions to seep out, leading to corrosion and short-circuits, compromising reliability due to moisture infiltration and electrolyte diffusion.

Innovation Solution

A power storage module design featuring a surplus space on the route of alkali creep, utilizing a metal plate and resin sealing portions to prevent moisture entry and electrolyte leakage, with a multi-stage sealing mechanism to enhance air-tightness and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode plate of the negative terminal electrode is sealed by a sealing body, then the electrolytic solution is contained in the inner space, but the alkali creep phenomenon causes the electrolytic solution to transfer to the surface of the electrode plate and seep to the outer surface side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of electrolyte leakageVSAvoidalkali creep phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A surplus space is preliminarily provided on the route of the alkali creep phenomenon before the electrolytic solution can reach the outer surface. This preventive space stops the electrolytic solution during its creep path, preventing it from reaching the outer surface and causing harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The surplus space acts as an intermediary barrier between the inner space containing the electrolytic solution and the outer environment. It intercepts the alkali creep phenomenon, serving as a mediating structure that prevents direct contact between the electrolytic solution and external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electrolytic solution seeps to the outer surface side and diffuses, then the alkali creep phenomenon progresses, but this causes corrosion of conductive plates, short-circuiting, and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidcorrosion and short-circuiting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surplus space is created in advance on the alkali creep route to preemptively stop the electrolytic solution before it can reach conductive plates and other sensitive components. This preliminary barrier prevents subsequent corrosion and short-circuiting issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The surplus space serves as a cushioning zone that absorbs and contains the alkali creep phenomenon before it can cause damage. This protective space acts as a buffer that prevents the electrolytic solution from directly contacting and corroding external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If moisture from outside air enters the gap between the electrode plate and sealing body, then the alkali creep phenomenon is accelerated, but this increases the risk of electrolyte leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to moisture infiltrationVSAvoidmoisture infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surplus space is preliminarily provided to prevent moisture from reaching the critical gap between the electrode plate and sealing body. By creating this intermediate space, moisture infiltration is stopped before it can accelerate the alkali creep phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The surplus space acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents direct contact between outside moisture and the electrode plate-sealing body interface. This mediating structure isolates the harmful interaction between moisture and the alkali creep phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design effectively suppresses electrolyte leakage and moisture infiltration, improving the reliability of the power storage module by creating a sealed environment that prevents alkali creep-induced issues.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing body including a first sealing portion joined to an edge portion of each of the electrodes, and forming an inner space between the electrodes adjacent to each other and sealing the inner space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the electrolytic solution may be transferred to a surface of the electrode plate of the negative terminal electrode due to a so-called alkali creep phenomenon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlkali creep phenomenon:

Implementation Method 3

a surplus space different from the inner space is provided on a route of an alkali creep phenomenon in which the electrolytic solution reaches an outside of the power storage module from the inner space through the negative terminal electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11695181B2Power storage module
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
  • US11695181B2 patent drawing
  • US11695181B2 patent drawing
  • US11695181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power storage module including: a stacked body that includes electrodes stacked along a first direction; a sealing body that includes a first sealing portion joined to an edge portion of each of the electrodes, forms an inner space between the electrodes adjacent to each other, and seals the inner space; and an electrolytic solution that is stored in the inner space and includes an alkali solution. The electrodes include bipolar electrodes, and a negative terminal electrode. The power storage module includes surplus spaces different from the inner space on a route of an alkali creep phenomenon in which the electrolytic solution reaches the outside from the inner space through the negative terminal electrode.