Soft-Shell Li-Ion Battery Power Disconnection via Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection mechanisms for Li-ion batteries, particularly for soft-shell batteries, are complex and risk damaging components over time, and they cannot prevent explosion or provide effective protection against over-charging, which leads to abnormal heating and flammable gas generation.
Innovation Solution
A power disconnection apparatus for soft-shell Li-ion batteries that includes a separation unit attached to the battery's shell, which disconnects power by cutting the anode or cathode pin when the battery expands due to over-charging, using a panel and cutting knife mechanism to safely prevent further charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical protection mechanism with blow-off valve and conductive pin is used, then battery protection against over-charging is achieved, but the mechanism cannot be applied to soft-shell Li ion battery and risks damaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protection function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through a simple separation unit that utilizes the natural expansion of the soft-shell battery itself. The battery's own expansion movement disconnects the conductive pin from the terminal, eliminating the need for additional protective components while preventing damage to battery components.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft-shell battery's natural expansion during over-charging is harnessed to automatically trigger the protection mechanism. The battery itself provides the movement force that separates the conductive pin from the terminal, making the system self-protecting without requiring external power sources or complex control circuits.
2Reliability
If existing protection mechanisms are implemented, then some protection is provided, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protection function with the battery's natural physical characteristics. The conductive pin is integrated into the soft-shell battery structure, and the protection mechanism utilizes the battery's own expansion movement, combining structural simplicity with effective protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pin is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. The protection mechanism uses basic materials without complex electronics, reducing overall system cost while maintaining effective protection against over-charging.
3Reliability
If existing protection mechanisms are used, then limited protection is achieved, but component damage risk remains after long time use
Solution Approach 1:
The protection mechanism acts preventively by disconnecting the conductive pin from the terminal before severe damage can occur. The separation unit utilizes battery expansion to open the circuit early in the over-charging process, preventing the generation of excessive heat and flammable gases that could damage battery components.
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
This solution simplifies the protection mechanism, prevents battery explosion, and ensures component safety by effectively disconnecting power during over-charging without adding complexity, thereby enhancing the safety of soft-shell Li-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The volume expansion of soft-shell Li ion battery after heating is exploited to disconnect power delivered to the pin by the separation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A power disconnection apparatus includes a soft-shell Li ion battery and a power disconnection device. The soft-shell Li ion battery includes anode pin and a cathode pin and a soft shell enclosing the soft-shell Li ion battery. The power disconnection device includes a panel attaching to the surface of the shell of the soft-shell Li ion battery and a separation unit arranged at topside of the panel and corresponding to one of the anode pin and the cathode pin. The shell has expansion when the soft-shell Li ion battery is over-charged and the panel is move away from the soft-shell Li ion battery. Therefore, the separation unit disconnects power to the anode pin or the cathode pin.