Electrochemical cell design for use under high shock and vibration conditions
AssigneeWilson Greatbatch Ltd.
InventorsEsther S. Takeuchi, Michael F. Pyszczek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A structure for stabilizing of an electrochemical cell stack against high shock and vibration forces through the use of a plurality of electrode connections at both the top and bottom of the stack is described. Constructing the cell casing having a tubular shape rather than the typical deep drawn can shape, allows access to the lower portion of the stack. There, additional leads are welded to the cell case, which significantly adds to the stability of the stack within the case. The lower portion of the case is then within the case. The lower portion of the case is then hermetically sealed by fitting and welding a disc in place.
Claims17
An electrochemical cell, which comprises:
- a. a casing having at least a first opening leading therein;
- b. an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode housed in an electrochemical relationship inside the casing;
- c. tab means electrically connecting one of the positive and negative electrodes to a first cell terminal, wherein there are a sufficient number of tab means to prevent the electrode assembly from moving inside the casing;
- and
- d. closure means supporting a conductor means and provided to close the first opening in the casing with the conductor means being electrically insulated from the casing, and wherein the conductor means is electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes to serve as the other positive and negative cell terminal.
An electrochemical cell, which comprises:
- a. a casing serving as one of a positive and a negative cell terminal, the casing having at least a first opening leading therein;
- b. an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed in an electrochemical relationship and housed inside the casing;
- c. tab means electrically connecting one of the positive and negative electrodes to the casing along and about at least one axis of anticipated shock and vibration forces to prevent the electrode assembly from moving inside the casing;
- and
- d. closure means supporting a conductor means and mounted in the first opening to there close the casing, wherein the conductor means is electrically insulated from the casing and is electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes to serve as the other of the positive and negative cell terminals.
A method of preventing movement of an electrode assembly inside a closed casing being subjected to shock and vibration forces, which comprises:
- a. providing the casing having at least a first opening leading therein and the electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed in an electrochemical relationship housed inside the casing;
- b. preventing the electrode assembly from moving along and about at least one axis of anticipated shock and vibration forces by electrically connecting a sufficient number of tab means between one of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly and a first electrode terminal disposed adjacent to opposed portions of the at least one axis of anticipated shock and vibration forces;
- and
- c. closing the casing by mounting a closure means supporting a conductor means in the first opening with the conductor means being electrically insulated from the casing and electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes to serve as the other of the positive and negative cell terminals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.