Ribbed Electrochemical Cell Case for Impact Misalignment Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical cells are prone to deformation and misalignment of the cell body due to impacts, leading to misalignment of connection terminals and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an outer case with ribs protruding outward in the surface area between the outer edge and the cell stack periphery, along with a liquid layer to absorb moisture and distribute pressure evenly, and a housing with a current collector to connect multiple cells, enhancing structural integrity and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If the outer case is made thin and lightweight, then manufacturing cost and material usage are reduced, but the case becomes susceptible to deformation and misalignment under impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter case weightVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer case is segmented into a case body and multiple ribs that protrude outward from the surface area between the outer edge and cell stack periphery. This segmentation allows the case to maintain lightweight construction while the ribs provide localized reinforcement against impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs are strategically positioned in specific surface areas of the outer case where impact forces are most likely to cause deformation. This local quality enhancement provides targeted reinforcement without adding weight across the entire case structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the outer case structure is reinforced to prevent deformation, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement structure is segmented into multiple discrete ribs rather than a continuous thickened case wall. Each rib is an independent structural element that can be formed and positioned separately, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the desired structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of reinforcing the case by increasing wall thickness in the radial direction, the invention adds structural strength by protruding ribs outward from the case surface. This dimensional approach provides reinforcement without increasing material usage or manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If connection terminals are made rigid for stable electrical connection, then electrical reliability is improved, but misalignment damage under impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidimpact damage to terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs protruding from the outer case surface provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing impact forces before they can transmit to the cell stack and connection terminals. This protective structure prevents misalignment damage while maintaining terminal rigidity for stable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12407052B2Electrochemical cell

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electrochemical cell includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked on one another and each being a plate and including an electricity generator and a casing accommodating the electricity generator, and an outer case accommodating the cell stack. The outer case includes at least one rib in a surface area between an outer edge of the outer case and an outer periphery of the cell stack as viewed in a stacking direction of the cell stack. The at least one rib is a portion of the surface area protruding outward.