X-ray Sensitive Battery Separators for Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery separators lack a reliable method to detect their position within a battery, which can lead to internal shorts due to misplacement during manufacturing, and existing techniques are not cost-effective or efficient for ensuring proper placement.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray sensitive battery separator with a microporous membrane containing an X-ray detectable element, such as barium sulfate, that allows for easy detection of the separator's position using X-ray radiation, ensuring it remains correctly positioned between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery separators are used without X-ray detectable elements, then the manufacturing process is simpler and cost is lower, but the ability to detect separator position is lost leading to potential internal shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of using materials with different X-ray absorption properties (analogous to color changes in visual detection) by incorporating barium sulfate particles into the separator. These particles make the separator visible on X-ray images, enabling position detection without complex structural modifications to the separator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses barium sulfate particles as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between the separator and the detection system. The particles are embedded in the separator to provide X-ray detectability, allowing the separator position to be detected without directly modifying the separator's functional structure.
2Reliability
If X-ray detectable elements are added to the separator, then position detection becomes possible, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separator manufacturing process with the incorporation of barium sulfate particles by adding them during the extrusion or coating process. This integration allows X-ray detectability to be achieved without requiring separate manufacturing steps, thereby minimizing the impact on manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the compositional parameters of the separator by incorporating a small percentage (0.1-10%) of barium sulfate particles. This parameter change provides X-ray detectability while maintaining the separator's primary functions and keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through conventional mixing and extrusion techniques.
3Reliability
If X-ray detectable elements are added to the separator, then position detection capability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by incorporating a minimal amount of barium sulfate particles (0.1-10% by weight) into the separator. This small addition is sufficient to provide X-ray detectability for quality control purposes, avoiding the need to use large quantities of expensive detectable materials throughout the entire separator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of barium sulfate particles to achieve the minimum effective amount needed for X-ray detection. By carefully controlling this parameter, the patent balances the need for detection capability with the constraint of material cost, using just enough detectable material to enable quality control without excessive expense.
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 X-ray sensitive battery separator effectively prevents internal shorts by allowing for easy and cost-effective detection of its position, ensuring manufacturing quality and safety, while being simple and cost-effective to produce and use.
Implementation Method 1
a microporous membrane having an X-ray detectable element... subjecting the battery to X-ray radiation; and thereby detecting the position of the separator
Data Source
AI summary
The instant application relates to an X-ray sensitive battery separator for a secondary lithium battery and a method for detecting the position of a separator in a secondary lithium battery. The X-ray sensitive battery separator includes a microporous membrane having an X-ray detectable element therein, thereon, or added thereto. The X-ray detectable element constitutes less than 20% by weight of the microporous membrane or separator. The method for detecting the position of a separator in a battery, cell, stack, jellyroll, can, or the like includes the following steps: (1) providing a battery, cell, stack, jellyroll, or the like including an X-ray sensitive battery separator; (2) subjecting the battery, cell, stack, jellyroll, or the like to X-ray radiation; and (3) thereby detecting the position of said separator in said battery, cell, stack, jellyroll, or the like.