Backing Member Skirt for Battery Electrode Vibration Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vibration during vehicle travel can cause damage to the sloping portions of electrode assemblies in electric storage devices, leading to decreased current collecting function and increased internal resistance.

Innovation Solution

The electric storage device incorporates a backing member with a base and a skirt that extends along the surface of the sloping portion, and optionally a reinforcing piece, to prevent damage from the edges of the backing member or reinforcing piece rubbing against the sloping portions, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and supporting the sloping portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the electrode assembly is supported by the current collector, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the sloping portions are damaged due to vibration during vehicle travel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidcurrent collecting function

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the current collector and the electrode assembly. This buffer member absorbs the impact of vibrations during vehicle travel, preventing direct transmission of mechanical stress to the sloping portions of the electrode assembly. The buffer member thus mediates between the supporting function of the current collector and the protection of the electrode assembly's current collecting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned in advance between the current collector and the electrode assembly. This pre-positioned cushioning element absorbs and mitigates vibration impacts before they can reach and damage the sloping portions of the electrode assembly, thereby preventing damage proactively rather than reactively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the backing member edges contact the sloping portions, then the electrode assembly is supported, but damage occurs due to rubbing during vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoiddamage from rubbing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member is configured as a flexible component that can deform and conform to the sloping portions of the electrode assembly. This flexibility allows the buffer member to provide support while avoiding rigid contact that would cause rubbing damage during vibration. The thin film structure enables the buffer member to adapt to the electrode assembly's geometry without creating stress concentration points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member acts as an intermediary between the backing member and the electrode assembly, preventing direct contact between the backing member edges and the sloping portions. This intermediary component distributes the contact pressure and eliminates the rubbing action that would otherwise occur during vehicle vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9590264B2Electric storage device

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 GS YUASA INT LTD

AI summary

Provided is an electric storage device capable of suitably preventing damage to end portions of an electrode assembly due to vibration. A current collector and a backing member are cooperated and connected to each end portion of the electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are stacked in layers. The backing member is composed of a base and a skirt.