Reversible Battery Cell Vent Valve for Reusable Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cell designs employ non-reversible vents that are designed for single-use, leading to the discard of battery cells after pressure relief, whereas a reversible, multiple-use vent valve is needed to mitigate internal cell pressure effectively and allow for cell reuse.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell with a reversible, multiple-use valve assembly that includes cantilever arms made from rigid materials like spring steel or ceramic, with valve tips resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, and adjustable pivot points to control pressure release, enabling selective opening and closing of apertures for pressure relief and electrolyte filling/refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional non-reversible vent is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is worsened due to single-use limitation requiring cell discard after pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve transitions from a static non-reversible design to a dynamic reversible design. The cantilever arm can pivot between closed and open positions, allowing the valve to dynamically respond to pressure changes. This dynamic capability enables the cell to be vented and then sealed for reuse, directly improving productivity while accepting increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers the battery cell after pressure relief by using a reversible valve that seals back after venting. Instead of discarding the cell after a single venting event, the valve allows the cell to be recovered, refilled with electrolyte, and reused multiple times, directly addressing the productivity improvement goal
2Loss of substance
If a reversible valve assembly is implemented, then the loss of substance is reduced by enabling electrolyte refilling, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure relief valve during overpressure events, serves as a seal to retain electrolyte during storage, and functions as an access point for electrolyte refilling. This multi-functionality reduces electrolyte loss while consolidating multiple roles into a single integrated assembly, partially offsetting the increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly automatically seals after pressure relief without requiring external intervention. The cantilever arm's elastic properties cause it to return to its closed position automatically after venting, providing self-service functionality that reduces electrolyte loss while minimizing the need for additional control mechanisms
3Reliability
If the valve is designed to withstand high temperatures and chemicals, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture is worsened due to material selection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The valve tip uses a composite construction combining an elastomer base material with a rigid insert or coating. The elastomer provides chemical resistance and flexibility, while the rigid insert (such as ceramic or hardened metal) provides high-temperature and wear resistance. This composite approach achieves the required reliability for withstanding extreme conditions while remaining manufacturable through established composite fabrication techniques
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 solution allows for non-destructive venting of excess pressure, enabling the reuse of battery cells by selectively opening to relieve pressure and then sealing, while also facilitating electrolyte filling/refilling, thus extending the life cycle of battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
Each cantilever arm may be an elastic element constructed from a rigid material
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell includes a cathode element, an anode element, and an electrolyte disposed in contact with each of the cathode and anode elements. The battery cell also includes a battery cell case constructed from a rigid material and defining an internal chamber configured to house each of the cathode element, the anode element, and the electrolyte. The battery cell case defines at least one aperture configured to provide a gas path between the internal chamber and an external environment. The battery cell additionally includes a reversible, multiple-use valve assembly mounted to the battery cell case and configured to selectively open a fluid flow through the at least one aperture to relieve a gas pressure within the internal chamber exceeding a predetermined pressure threshold.