Variable Member Current Control for Secondary Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries used in medium- and large-sized apparatuses are prone to explosion or fire due to internal short circuits, which generate excessive heat, as they struggle to dissipate heat effectively and control current flow.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a variable member with stacked plates, insulation coatings, non-coating portions, and cut-away features to control current flow and resistance, thereby reducing heat generation and the risk of explosion or fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-capacity battery module is used to provide high output and power, then the battery capacity increases, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and the risk of explosion or fire increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current path is segmented into multiple routes through the variable member with multiple plates. The current can flow through different paths (first path through first non-coating portion, second path through second non-coating portion) instead of a single concentrated path, distributing the heat generation across multiple locations and reducing localized heat accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable member has different local properties: conductive non-coating portions for current flow and insulative coating portions for electrical isolation. By strategically placing insulative coatings at specific locations (first insulation coating portion, second insulation coating portion) and leaving other areas as non-coating portions, the design creates localized current paths that control heat generation distribution.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the current path is lengthened to reduce current density, then heat generation is reduced, but the resistance increases and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a single-plane current path to a multi-dimensional current distribution. Multiple plates stacked in the vertical dimension create parallel current paths, effectively increasing the cross-sectional area for current flow without significantly lengthening the path. This reduces current density and heat generation while maintaining low resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The current path is divided into multiple parallel segments through the variable member structure. Each plate provides a separate current path segment, and the insulative coating portions strategically guide current through multiple non-coating portions. This segmentation creates parallel current paths that reduce overall resistance while distributing heat generation.
3Reliability
If insulative materials are added to control current flow, then current path control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative coating portions are merged directly onto the variable member plates, integrating the insulation function into the existing structure rather than adding separate insulation components. The first insulation coating portion and second insulation coating portion are applied directly to the plates, creating a unified structure that controls current flow without requiring additional discrete parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation is applied selectively only where needed to control current flow, rather than coating the entire variable member. The insulative materials are placed at specific locations (first insulation coating portion, second insulation coating portion) to create targeted current path control, leaving other areas as conductive non-coating portions for current flow.
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 battery design effectively manages current flow and heat buildup, enhancing safety by reducing the likelihood of explosions and fires during overcurrent events.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation coating portion formed of an insulative material is provided so that current does not flow
Implementation Method 2
heat is not readily emitted to the outside of the secondary battery due to a large amount of current
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a battery case, and a cap assembly. The electrode assembly includes first and second electrodes. The battery case accommodates the electrode assembly therein and has an opened surface. The cap assembly seals the battery case and includes first and second terminal portions coupled to the respective first and second electrodes. In the secondary battery, at least one of the first and second terminal portions is coupled to a variable member including a plurality of variable plates. Accordingly, the path and resistance of current may be varied in the secondary battery, so that it is possible to reduce or prevent generation of heat caused by overcurrent. Thus, it may be possible to reduce or prevent an explosion and fire of the battery, thereby improving the safety of the battery.