Battery Pack Vent Valve Structure for Directed Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery assemblies face challenges in efficiently venting heat and pressure, leading to potential disruptions and environmental stress due to pressurized gas, with existing solutions often compromising structural integrity and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of strategically shaped and positioned pressure release valves and structural features in the battery assembly walls, including guiding ribs and deformable membranes, to optimize the egress of heat and pressure, ensuring efficient venting and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional venting systems are used in battery assemblies, then pressure release is achieved, but structural integrity is compromised and environmental stress from pressurized gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing guiding ribs at specific locations within the wall structure to selectively direct pressurized gas flow along desired paths while protecting sensitive components. The deformable membrane is positioned at specific locations to rupture only when pressure exceeds thresholds, providing localized pressure relief without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding ribs act as intermediary structures that mediate between the pressurized gas and the surrounding environment, directing the gas flow along controlled trajectories. The deformable membrane serves as an intermediary that transitions from a sealed state to a pressure relief state, mediating the pressure release process while maintaining structural boundaries.
2Productivity
If pressure release valves are added to vent heat and pressure, then venting efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the wall structure itself. The wall incorporates both structural support and venting functions through integrated guiding ribs and deformable membranes. This eliminates the need for separate external venting systems, achieving efficient pressure and heat release while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane provides self-regulating pressure relief by automatically rupturing when internal pressure exceeds the membrane's mechanical strength threshold. The guiding ribs passively direct gas flow without requiring active control mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves efficient venting without complex control systems or additional actuators.
3Speed
If deformable membranes are used in pressure release valves, then rapid egress of pressurized gas is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting membrane materials and thicknesses that provide specific burst pressure characteristics. The guiding ribs are designed with specific geometries that create controlled flow paths. These parameter selections enable rapid gas egress while establishing clear manufacturing tolerances that balance precision requirements with manufacturability.
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 approach enhances the operational efficiency of battery cells, reduces environmental stress, and improves packaging by effectively directing and stabilizing the flow of pressurized gas away from sensitive components, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
portions of the housing may be structured to mechanically deform (e.g., melt such that at least one membrane falls out of the housing) when subjected to the conditions corresponding to thermal runaway resulting from the operation of the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
portions of the housing may be structured to mechanically deform (e.g., melt such that at least one membrane falls out of the housing)
Implementation Method 3
at least one guiding rib that modifies a trajectory of gas (e.g., at least one of ambient air or pressured gas generated as a result of heated battery cells changing conditions of the ambient air in a battery assembly)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to vent a battery pack using a pressure release valve. The pressure release valve comprises a housing configured to be secured to an outer surface of a sidewall of a battery pack. A first membrane is arranged in a first side of the housing. A second membrane in a second side of the housing and adjacent to the first membrane.