Prismatic Li-Ion Cell With Positive Rigid Container and Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face limitations in travel distance due to low energy density and durability of battery modules, which also contribute to high production costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of prismatic lithium-ion cells with positive polarity rigid containers, featuring a container and lid piece that form a rectangular prismatic geometry, incorporating a jelly-roll or stacked electrode assembly, and a vent for pressure relief, allowing for improved packaging efficiency and energy density through optimized internal components and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional battery modules are used in electric vehicles, then the vehicle can operate with existing technology, but the travel distance is limited to approximately 40-100 miles per charge due to low energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular prismatic cells that can be independently designed and assembled. Each cell contains segmented components (electrode assembly, container, lid piece) that can be optimized separately, allowing for higher energy density while maintaining manufacturability and assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the battery cell by using a rigid positive polarity container, optimized electrode assembly configuration (jelly-roll or stacked), and improved sealing mechanisms. These parameter changes enable higher energy density and extended travel distance
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery modules are designed for higher energy density, then travel distance increases, but production costs increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cell is segmented into standardized components (container, lid piece, electrode assembly) that can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. This segmentation allows for economies of scale and reduced production costs while achieving high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid positive polarity container serves multiple functions: structural support, electrical connection (positive polarity), sealing, and thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery modules are designed for higher energy density, then travel distance increases, but durability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid container and lid piece are designed with built-in protective features including a vent mechanism that opens at predetermined pressure thresholds. This beforehand cushioning prevents catastrophic failure by releasing pressure before it can compromise the cell structure, maintaining durability while enabling higher energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell employs composite construction with the rigid positive polarity container providing structural integrity and protection. The combination of different materials (container, lid piece, electrode assembly, sealing elements) creates a durable system that can withstand mechanical and thermal stresses while maintaining high energy density
4Use of energy by moving object
If complex battery module designs are used to improve performance, then energy density increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the rigid positive polarity container: structural support, electrical connection, sealing, and thermal management. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The container and lid piece are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions simultaneously. The lid piece includes both sealing and venting functions, while the container provides both structural support and electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for battery cells with positive polarity rigid containers. In accordance with disclosed embodiments, the cell may include a container and a lid piece that couple together to form a rectangular prismatic geometry. An electrode assembly having positive and negative coils may be disposed within the cell, and the positive coil may be conductively coupled to the cell. In this way, the cell (e.g., both the lid and the container) may be positively polarized. Further, the electrode assembly may incorporate a jelly-roll or a stacked structure. In one embodiment, the lid piece may include a vent that opens in response to pressure in the cell surpassing an established threshold. The lid may further include a positive terminal, negative terminal, and a method for filling the cell with electrolyte. Another embodiment may provide a battery module include multiple cells with positive polarity rigid containers.