Lid assembly for an energy storage cell, kit-of-parts and energy storage cell comprising the lid assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of supercapacitors with microporous carbon electrodes faces challenges in filling electrolyte due to adsorption heat causing boiling, leading to potential spills and delays, unlike conventional batteries which do not experience this issue.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a cell body with a bottom protrusion and exterior welding grooves, where the electrode assembly is inserted and welded, followed by electrolyte filling through a top opening, and a lid assembly with a sealing member to prevent electrolyte boiling, ensuring efficient sealing and reduced manufacturing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrolyte is filled through a small opening in the lid, then the can can be closed, but the electrolyte may boil and spill causing manufacturing delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte containmentVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid assembly is designed with an expansion chamber that is pre-configured to accommodate electrolyte expansion. The chamber includes a movable bottom that can displacement in response to pressure changes, preventing electrolyte spillage during the filling process and eliminating the need for slow, cautious filling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion chamber acts as an intermediary between the electrolyte filling process and the sealed can interior. It provides a controlled environment where electrolyte can be filled rapidly while the movable bottom absorbs pressure fluctuations and prevents boiling-induced spillage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If electrolyte is filled rapidly to improve productivity, then manufacturing speed increases, but adsorption heat causes electrolyte to boil and spill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte filling speedVSAvoidelectrolyte boiling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid assembly incorporates a movable bottom in the expansion chamber that changes its position in response to pressure parameters. When electrolyte is filled rapidly and generates heat and pressure, the movable bottom displaces to accommodate the expansion, preventing boiling and spillage while allowing high-speed filling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion chamber is pre-designed with a movable bottom that acts as a cushion against pressure buildup during rapid electrolyte filling. This beforehand cushioning capability allows rapid filling without the harmful effects of electrolyte boiling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the lid assembly includes an expansion chamber with movable bottom, then electrolyte boiling is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte containmentVSAvoidlid assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it seals the can, provides an expansion chamber for electrolyte volume changes, and incorporates a movable bottom to prevent boiling. By integrating these functions into a single assembly, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion chamber and sealing functions are merged into the lid assembly structure. The movable bottom is integrated into the chamber design, combining what could be separate components into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity while achieving the desired reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method allows for faster electrolyte filling and reduced manufacturing delays by preventing electrolyte boiling and ensuring efficient sealing, addressing the unique challenges posed by microporous carbon electrodes in supercapacitors.

Implementation Method 1

When coming into contact with the electrode assembly, the electrolyte typically adsorbs to the micropores thereby releasing energy in the form of heat.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the lid member and the sealing member are configured to cooperatively form an expansion chamber that is arranged between the lid member and the sealing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20240186076A1Lid assembly for an energy storage cell, kit-of-parts and energy storage cell comprising the lid assembly

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 SKELETON TECH GMBH

AI summary

In order to allow lid assembly, a method is provided for manufacturing a lid assembly configured for closing a cell body of a supercapacitor, the cell body comprising a bottom portion, a wall portion, and a top opening, the lid assembly comprising an electrically conductive lid member and an electrically insulating sealing member. The lid member and the sealing member are configured to cooperatively form an expansion chamber that is arranged between the lid member and the sealing member, wherein the expansion chamber is fluidly connectable to an interior of the cell body.