Secondary battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery manufacturing processes are complex and lack reliability, particularly in terms of sealability, and there is a need for improved safety mechanisms to prevent internal pressure buildup.

Innovation Solution

The secondary battery design incorporates a first and second can with cylindrical shapes that are press-fitted to serve as electrode terminals, featuring an insulator to ensure sealability and disconnect when internal pressure exceeds a critical point, thereby simplifying assembly and providing a safety function without additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional battery manufacturing processes are used, then battery assembly can be completed, but the manufacturing process is complex and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the can structure with the terminal function by forming protrusions directly on the can inner walls that serve as terminals. This integration eliminates separate terminal components and simplifies the assembly process while improving sealability through direct contact between electrode tabs and can-integrated terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The can is segmented into multiple sections with protrusions formed at specific locations to serve as terminals. The can body is divided into functional zones: accommodation space for electrodes, protrusion regions for terminal contact, and sealing regions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional safety devices are added to prevent internal pressure buildup, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionVSAvoidnumber of additional devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The can structure itself provides the safety function through its design. The protrusions are positioned and dimensioned such that under normal operation they maintain electrical contact, but under excessive internal pressure, the can deforms to disconnect the electrodes from the protrusions, automatically interrupting current flow without requiring external safety devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The can serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment, electrical connection through protrusions, and safety protection through pressure-responsive disconnection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate safety devices while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate terminals are used instead of integrated can terminals, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal function is merged with the can structure by forming protrusions directly on the can inner walls. This eliminates the need for separate terminal components and their associated assembly steps, directly improving manufacturing efficiency while simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces manufacturing complexity, enhances sealability, and ensures safety through automatic disconnection under high pressure, achieving high productivity and low costs while maintaining large capacity.

Implementation Method 1

the two cans are assembled in the press-fitting manner to allow each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode to be connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPress-fitting: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an insulator configured to insulate an overlapping portion between the first can and the second can

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

when the internal pressure of the battery reaches the critical point or more, the coupling of the two cans that are press-fitted into and coupled to each other may be released, and the electrode assembly coupled to the two cans may be disconnected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced disconnection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3848993B1Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3848993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3848993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3848993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a secondary battery. The secondary battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode are alternately stacked to be wound; a can provided with an accommodation part that accommodates the electrode assembly therein, the can comprising a first can and a second can, which have cylindrical shapes opened in a direction facing each other; and an insulator configured to insulate an overlapping portion between the first can and the second can, wherein the first can forms a first electrode terminal that directly contacts an end of the first electrode, and the second can forms a second electrode terminal that directly contacts an end of the second electrode.