US 7,341,802 B1 · Feedthrough assembly and method

Abstract

A feedthrough is insulated and hermetically sealed by brazing a ceramic disk to a case cover and by brazing the top surface of the ceramic disk to the bottom surface of a feedthrough pinhead. Using this technique instead of forming a compression seal, the surface area for bonding is increased, increasing bond strength. The ceramic disk electrically insulates the feedthrough pin from the cover, and provides a large surface area for mechanically sealing the cell with the braze. Considering the small size of many cells, this increased surface area is important for getting a good seal and increasing bond strength. This design also creates a longer fluid path, providing greater hermeticity. Furthermore, a greater range of component material combinations is available because CTE compatibility limitations of the feedthrough pin, cover, and insulator are minimized. This feedthrough is applicable to broad array of applications and numerous material combinations.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A feedthrough assembly for an electrochemical cell, comprising:

a cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and a hole through the cover;
an insulator having a top surface and a bottom surface and a hole through the insulator;
and
a pin having a pin shaft and a pinhead with a larger diameter than the pin shaft;
wherein
a first portion of the insulator bottom surface is brazed to the top surface the case cover;
a second portion of the insulator bottom surface is brazed to a top surface of the pinhead.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Feedthrough assembly and method

Life of this patent

Feedthrough assembly and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22