Battery Cell Adapter Assembly for Shorter Electrode Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process of battery cells is complicated due to the need to connect the electrode assembly to the electrode post and weld the end cap to the housing, which requires complex maneuvers and long movement distances for the electrode assembly during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adapter component with discrete first and second adapter pieces, allowing the first piece to be connected to the electrode post and the second piece to the tab of the electrode assembly before loading into the housing, followed by a conductive connection between the pieces to facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode assembly is connected to the electrode post and the end cap is welded to the housing in the conventional assembly process, then the battery cell is assembled, but the assembly process becomes complicated with long movement distances for the electrode assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter component is divided into a first adapter piece and a second adapter piece that are disposed discretely. The first adapter piece is connected to the electrode post while the second adapter piece is connected to the tab of the electrode assembly. This segmentation allows the electrode assembly to be loaded into the housing without requiring complex pre-connection maneuvers, thereby simplifying the assembly process while ensuring complete battery cell assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component acts as an intermediary between the electrode post and the tab of the electrode assembly. By introducing this intermediate connection structure, the patent eliminates the need for direct connection between the electrode assembly and electrode post, reducing assembly complexity and movement distance while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode assembly is moved long distances during assembly maneuvers, then connections can be made, but the assembly time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first adapter piece is pre-connected to the electrode post before the electrode assembly is loaded into the housing. This preliminary action eliminates the need to move the electrode assembly long distances to make connections, as the adapter is already in position. The second adapter piece is then connected to the tab, and the electrode assembly is simply loaded into the housing, significantly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining connection feasibility.
3Reliability
If the first adapter piece and second adapter piece are connected by a conductive structure, then electrical connection is established, but the connection area needs to be increased for reliable bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The first adapter piece includes a first main section extending along a first direction and a first connecting section extending along a second direction that intersects the first direction. This dimensional change creates an L-shaped configuration that increases the connection area between the two adapter pieces without complicating the manufacturing process. The intersecting directions allow for larger bonding surfaces while maintaining simple structural forms that are easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter may include a first adapter and a second adapter disposed discretely. The first adapter may be configured to be connected to one of an electrode post or a tab. The second adapter may be configured to be connected to the other of the electrode post or the tab. The first adapter may substantially extend along a first direction. The second adapter may substantially extend along a second direction. The first direction may intersect the second direction. The first adapter may be connected to the second adapter by a conductive structure.