Multifunctional Terminal Block Venting for Large-Capacity Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in achieving large cell capacities while ensuring high safety and compatibility for battery pack configurations, particularly in applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a stack-type electrode assembly with multifunctional terminal blocks (MTBs) that include an inner housing, electrode terminal parts, and an outer housing, equipped with features like rupture disks and check valves to manage internal pressure and gas discharge, enhancing safety and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If large-capacity battery packs are designed for electric vehicles, then energy density and range are improved, but safety risks increase due to higher energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each with its own terminal block and safety mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high total capacity while isolating potential failure points, so that a safety issue in one module does not propagate to the entire battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block incorporates a rupture disk and check valve as preemptive safety measures. These components are designed to activate before catastrophic failure can occur, providing a pressure relief pathway that prevents thermal runaway and protects the high-capacity battery from safety hazards.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional terminal blocks are used in high-capacity batteries, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but compatibility and degree of freedom for battery pack configuration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously serves as an electrical connection point, a mechanical support structure, and a safety device housing. The check valve and rupture disk are integrated into the terminal block itself, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple functions and enabling greater flexibility in battery pack design without requiring separate manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If internal pressure builds up in the battery, then gas accumulation occurs which compromises safety, but adding complex pressure management systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure management functions are merged into the existing terminal block structure. The check valve and rupture disk are integrated directly into the terminal block housing, eliminating the need for separate pressure management components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed as a passive, self-activating component that responds automatically to pressure changes without requiring external control systems. When internal pressure exceeds the spring force, the valve automatically opens to release gas, and closes when pressure equalizes, providing autonomous pressure management.
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 design enables large cell capacities with improved safety and flexibility for battery pack configurations by effectively managing pressure and gas release, thus addressing the challenges of safety and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a rupture disk which is coupled to the outer housing and is configured to rupture to release gas upon an increase in internal pressure
Implementation Method 2
the check valve is configured to open to discharge internal gases when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is above a specific pressure, and to close again after the internal pressure is relieved
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a secondary battery including: a stack-type electrode assembly including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, and having electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a multifunctional terminal block (MTB) at both ends of the stack-type electrode assembly; and a laminate sheet wrapping around the sides of the stack-type electrode assembly, wherein the MTB includes: an inner housing, and a first assembly comprising an electrode terminal part stored in the inner housing and electrically connected to electrode leads of the stack-type electrode assembly; and an outer housing wrapping around at least a portion of the first assembly, and a second assembly comprising a rupture disk coupled to the outer housing and configured to rupture to release gas upon an increase in internal pressure.