Accumulator Contacting Device for Energy Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small accumulators, such as button cells, face challenges in maximizing space for active material due to cumbersome contact terminal designs, leading to reduced energy density and capacity, especially in devices with high energy demands like medical implants.

Innovation Solution

The accumulator design features a compact contacting device with a cladding structure that guides and retains contacting elements, eliminating the need for direct welding and angulation of contact terminals, thereby optimizing space for active material and increasing energy density by 10%-20% compared to conventional designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional contact terminal designs are used in small accumulators, then the structural integrity and electrical connection are maintained, but the space available for active material is reduced, leading to lower energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcontact terminal design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accumulator is divided into multiple stacks, each with its own contact terminals. The contacting device segments the electrical connection function by providing separate contacting elements for each stack, allowing optimized space utilization in each segment while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact terminals are arranged in a stacked configuration along the vertical axis rather than spreading out horizontally. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple contact terminals to occupy minimal horizontal space while maintaining adequate vertical separation for electrical connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If direct welding and angulation of contact terminals are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the space requirement increases and production complexity rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidspace for active material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contacting device acts as an intermediary component between the contact terminals and the external circuit. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, eliminating the need for complex welding and angulation operations while maintaining reliable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contacting elements are designed with optimized geometric parameters including length, diameter, and positioning that enable direct insertion and contact without requiring welding or angulation. The parameters are specifically tuned to achieve reliable electrical connection while minimizing space occupation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If contact terminals are positioned with large spacing for welding access, then welding reliability is improved, but the active material volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding accessibilityVSAvoidactive material volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical welding process is replaced with a direct mechanical contact system. The contacting elements make direct physical contact with the contact terminals through spring pressure or interference fit, eliminating the need for welding operations and associated access requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The contacting device serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, mechanical support, and positioning alignment all in a single compact component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate welding operations and reduces the overall space requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10693119B2Accumulator and method for the manufacture thereof

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 WYON PATENT AG

AI summary

An accumulator, specifically a small accumulator, comprises at least two positive electrodes, each with a contact terminal, and at least two negative electrodes, each with a contact terminal. The accumulator further comprises at least one contacting device having at least one contacting element which is arranged between two adjoining contact terminals and interconnects said two adjoining contact terminals in an electrically conductive manner. The accumulator further comprises a housing, which entirely accommodates the at least two positive electrodes, the at least two negative electrodes and the at least one contacting device. The accumulator comprises at least one cladding structure, which encloses the at least one contacting device.