Sealed Battery Insulating Holder Deformation for Short-Circuit Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealed batteries face limitations in increasing energy density due to the need for maintaining proper connection between electrode terminals and the risk of short-circuits when reducing the clearance between the electrode body and the battery case to accommodate a larger electrode width.
Innovation Solution
A sealed battery design featuring a deformation portion on the insulating holder to prevent short-circuits by ensuring the electrode connection portions are not exposed and allowing for a smaller clearance between the holder and the battery case, enabling a larger electrode width without compromising terminal connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the electrode width is increased to increase energy density, then the coating surface area of the electrode mix layer is increased, but the clearance between the electrode body and the battery case must be reduced which increases the risk of short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resin layer as an intermediary insulating structure between the electrode body and the battery case. This resin layer fills the clearance space and provides electrical insulation, preventing short-circuits while allowing the electrode width to be increased for higher energy density. The intermediary resin layer resolves the contradiction by providing both space utilization and safety insulation.
2Quantity of substance
If the electrode width is increased to increase energy density, then the coating surface area of the electrode mix layer is increased, but the terminal connection portions may become exposed outside the insulating holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the insulating holder with a specific shape that includes recessed portions or protrusions designed to accommodate the terminal connection portions of the electrode body. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the electrode is assembled into the holder, the terminals are automatically positioned and contained within the holder boundaries, preventing exposure even when the electrode width is increased.
3Volume of stationary object
If the clearance between the insulating holder and the battery case is reduced to accommodate larger electrodes, then the space utilization is improved, but the lower end section of the insulating holder may contact the battery case causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the insulating holder with a specific structural feature at its lower end section - either a recessed portion that prevents contact or a protrusion that maintains spacing. This preliminary structural design cushions against the potential harmful contact between the holder and battery case, protecting the holder from damage even when the clearance is minimized for better space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed battery disclosed herein is provided with an electrode body, a battery case, and an insulating holder. Round sections, having a curved surface, are formed between an inner surface and a bottom surface of the battery case. Deformation portions protruding towards the center, in a width direction, are formed on the inner surface of a lower end section of the insulating holder. A lower end section of a positive electrode connection portion and a lower end section of a negative electrode connection portion are press-deformed towards the center, in the width direction, by the deformation portions of the insulating holder. It becomes accordingly possible to suitably prevent short-circuits between the electrode body and the battery case, even when clearances within the battery case are made small and a width dimension of the electrode body is made large. Energy density can be suitably increased as a result.