Prismatic Battery Housing Structure for Swelling and Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prismatic secondary batteries face safety issues due to shaking of the electrode assembly and swelling, which can lead to short-circuits, fires, or explosions, especially in environments with vibrations, and deformation of the housing that compromises safety.
Innovation Solution
A prismatic secondary battery design featuring a metal housing with a hexahedral shape and concave surfaces on the front and rear surfaces to support the electrode assembly, along with a wedge-shaped insertion end and an optional heat absorber in the concave space, enhancing structural rigidity and preventing damage during insertion and swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connection space is provided between electrode tab and electrode terminal, then electrical connection is enabled, but electrode assembly shaking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by forming a protrusion on the electrode assembly that preemptively counteracts the shaking motion. This protrusion makes contact with the housing before significant displacement occurs, preventing the electrode assembly from moving excessively and thereby maintaining both electrical connection reliability and assembly stability.
2Strength
If electrode assembly is enclosed in metal case, then structural protection is provided, but electrode assembly shaking occurs due to required space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar contact approach to a three-dimensional solution by forming a protrusion that extends in the depth direction. This protrusion contacts the housing at multiple points along its length, distributing the constraint force and effectively preventing shaking while maintaining the protective enclosure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If secondary battery is used for long time, then energy storage function is achieved, but swelling phenomenon causes housing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by forming a recess in the housing that anticipates the swelling of the electrode assembly. This recess provides predetermined accommodation space that absorbs the expansion volume, preventing the housing from deforming and maintaining its shape throughout the battery's service life.
4Reliability
If electrode assembly shakes under vibration, then no immediate damage occurs, but electrode tab short-circuit may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the protrusion - that acts as a mediator between the electrode assembly and the housing. This protrusion absorbs and distributes the vibrational forces, preventing them from directly transmitting to the electrode tab and terminal connection, thereby eliminating the short-circuit risk while maintaining operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to a prismatic secondary battery including a housing made of a metal and having a hexahedral shape, and one or more electrode assemblies inserted through an open surface formed at an upper surface of the housing and accommodated in the housing. In an example, a concave surface is formed in at least one surface of a front surface or a rear surface of the housing, the one or more electrode assemblies are supported by contacting the concave surface in the housing, and an insertion end portion of the one or more electrode assemblies have a wedge shape.