Reinforced Battery Can Structure for Thin High-Capacity Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face a challenge in achieving reduced thickness without compromising the mechanical strength of the can, which is crucial for increasing capacity and heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-structured can design with a main can and a reinforcing portion, where the reinforcing portion is made of a stronger material than the main can, positioned inside the side portion to provide additional support, maintaining the can's integrity while allowing for a thinner profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the can is reduced to increase capacity and heat dissipation, then the capacity and heat dissipation performance are improved, but the mechanical strength of the can deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The can is constructed using composite materials with different thicknesses and material properties in various regions. The bottom portion uses a first thickness with specific material properties, while the side portion uses a second thickness that is smaller than the first, creating a composite structure that optimizes both mechanical strength and capacity/heat dissipation performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the can have different thicknesses and material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The bottom portion has greater thickness for structural support, while the side portion has reduced thickness for capacity optimization, with a reinforcing portion strategically placed to provide localized strength enhancement
2Temperature
If the thickness of the can is reduced to improve heat dissipation, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the mechanical strength of the can deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The can employs a composite structure where the bottom portion and side portion have different thicknesses, allowing the side portion to be thinner for improved heat dissipation while the bottom portion maintains sufficient thickness for structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation optimization is applied locally to the side portion where reduced thickness enhances thermal exchange, while the bottom portion maintains greater thickness to preserve mechanical strength, creating a localized quality distribution that balances thermal and structural requirements
3Strength
If a reinforcing portion is added inside the side portion to maintain mechanical strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion is nested inside the side portion of the can, creating a compact integrated structure. This nested configuration provides mechanical strength enhancement without significantly increasing the overall device complexity, as the reinforcing portion is contained within the existing can geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The can is segmented into distinct functional portions with different thicknesses and material properties. The reinforcing portion is segmented from the main can body but integrated through precise fitting, allowing independent optimization of each segment while maintaining overall structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that accommodates the electrode assembly in the inner (interior) space, and a cap plate that is coupled to the opening side end of the can and seals the can. The can includes a main can and a reinforcing portion. The main can includes a bottom portion with a first thickness and a side portion that is connected to the edge of the bottom portion and has a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The reinforcing portion is positioned inside the side portion. The reinforcing portion has a third thickness less than the second thickness and a strength greater than a strength of the main can. The sum of the second thickness and the third thickness is less than the first thickness.