CID Retention Device For Li-ion Cell

Abstract

A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm 2 and about 9 kg/cm 2 . Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above. A method of manufacturing such a CID comprises forming first and second conductive plates as described above, and welding the second conductive plate onto the first conductive plate while a temperature of the first conductive plate is controlled so as not to exceed the melting point of a surface of the first conductive plate opposite the weld.

1 . A pressure response device comprising: a flange portion; a central portion, the central portion having an inlet side and an outlet side; an angled frustum portion provided between the flange portion and the central portion; and wherein the angled frustum portion is configured to activate upon experiencing a predetermined pressure differential causing the movement of the central portion. 
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein upon activation, displacement of the central portion causes the opening of an electric circuit. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein upon activation, displacement of the central portion causes the closing of an electric circuit. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an angle between the angled frustum portion and a plane defined by the flange portion is between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an angle between the angled frustum portion and a plane defined by the flange portion is between about 15 degrees and about 35 degrees. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the angled frustum portion is in the shape of a symmetrical truncated cone. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the angled frustum portion is in the shape of an irregular truncated cone. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the angled frustum portion is in the shape of an irregular truncated dome. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central portion further comprises an indentation. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the indentation defines a cavity in the inlet side of the central portion and wherein the indentation defines a nipple in the outlet side of the central portion. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the indentation defines a cavity in the outlet side of the central portion and wherein the indentation defines a nipple in the inlet side of the central portion. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central portion exhibits a substantially flat shape. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure response device is constructed from the group of materials consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, or nickel and its alloys. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure response device is constructed from the group of manufacturing techniques consisting of forming or stamping metal coil, forming or stamping sheet material, machining metal, casting, or molding. 
   
   
       15 . A pressure response system comprising: a pressure response device, the pressure response device including a flange portion, a central portion, and an angled frustum portion provided between the flange portion and the central portion; wherein the central portion is substantially flat; a projection, the projection being operably attached to the central portion; wherein the angled frustum portion is configured to activate without rupturing upon experiencing a predetermined pressure differential causing the movement of the central portion; and wherein the activation of the frustum portion causes the projection to indicate a pressure response. 
   
   
       16 . A pressure response system comprising: a pressure response device, the pressure response device including a flange portion, a central portion, and an angled frustum portion provided between the flange portion and the central portion, wherein the angled frustum portion is configured to activate upon experiencing a predetermined pressure differential causing the movement of the central portion; a conductor, the conductor configured to make an electrical wire connection with the central portion before the angled frustum portion activates; and wherein the electrical wire connection is interrupted when the angled frustum portion activates. 
   
   
       17 . A battery device comprising: an exterior contact terminal; a pressure response member positioned within the battery device, the pressure response member having a first configuration and a second configuration; the pressure response member including a central portion surrounded by an angled frustum portion; and wherein the pressure response member forms part of an electrical conducting path within the battery device in the first configuration and wherein upon experiencing a predetermined pressure condition with the battery device, the pressure response member achieves the second configuration and no longer forms part of an electrical conducting path within the battery device. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the central portion is configured to activate without rupturing upon experiencing the force of a predetermined pressure condition. 
   
   
       19 . A method of testing a pressure response system comprising: providing a pressure response member including a flange portion, a central portion, and an angled frustum portion between the flange portion and the central portion; applying an increasing pressure differential to one surface of the central portion; and recording the pressure at which the angled frustum portion activates. 
   
   
       20 . A method of responding to an overpressure situation, comprising: providing a pressure response member including a flange portion, a central portion, and an angled frustum portion between the flange portion and the central portion, wherein the pressure response member has a first configuration and a second configuration; exposing the pressure response member in the first configuration to a pressure source, such that the pressure response member responds to a predetermined pressure in the pressure source by taking the second configuration. 
   
   
       21 . The pressure response device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the angled frustum portion and a plane defined by the flange portion is bout 25 degrees.