Secondary Battery Cap Plate Layout for Vibration and Current Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries lack improved anti-vibration properties and energy density, which are essential for reliable performance in various applications, including portable electronics and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The secondary battery design includes an electrode assembly with tabs at opposite ends, a case with openings at both ends, and cap plates that are insulated and electrically coupled to the tabs, along with current collector plates and insulating plates to minimize gaps and enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but anti-vibration property is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The battery structure is segmented into multiple functional components: electrode assembly with tabs, case with openings, cap plates (first and second), current collector plates, and insulating plates. Each component serves specific functions and is positioned independently, allowing the structure to absorb vibrations while maintaining electrical connectivity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the battery have specialized properties: insulating plates are placed at specific locations to prevent short circuits, cap plates provide both electrical connection and mechanical support, and the case structure is designed with specific openings and closures to accommodate components while providing vibration resistance. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.
2Productivity
If electrode assembly has tabs at opposite ends, then current flow is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into functional segments with tabs positioned at opposite ends (first tab and second tab). This segmentation allows current to flow efficiently through multiple paths while maintaining a modular structure that can be manufactured using standard battery assembly techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs at opposite ends serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection points for current collection, serve as attachment points for current collector plates, and contribute to the overall structural framework. This multi-functionality improves current flow while avoiding additional manufacturing steps.
3Quantity of substance
If cap plates are insulated and electrically coupled, then energy density is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap plates have differentiated electrical properties at different locations: the first cap plate is insulated from the first terminal but electrically coupled to the second terminal, while the second cap plate is electrically coupled to the second tab. This localized electrical configuration optimizes energy storage and current distribution without requiring a uniformly complex connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating plates serve as intermediaries between conductive components. The first insulating plate is positioned between the first current collector plate and the first cap plate, providing electrical isolation where needed while allowing mechanical support and thermal management. This intermediary approach enables complex electrical configurations using simple insulating components.
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 improves the anti-vibration properties of the secondary battery and enhances energy density and current flow characteristics, ensuring uniform charging and discharging across all regions of the electrode assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first cap plate coupled to the first opening of the case and insulated from and penetrated by a first terminal that is electrically coupled to the first tab of the electrode assembly
Implementation Method 2
a first current collector plate flat part welded to the first tab; and a first current collector plate protrusion welded to the first terminal
Implementation Method 3
a first insulating plate between the first current collector plate and the first cap plate
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A secondary battery (100) includes an electrode assembly (110) including a first tab (1111) and a second tab (1121) at opposite ends of the electrode assembly (110) in a longitudinal direction, respectively; a case (120) configured to accommodate the electrode assembly (110) and in which a first opening (121) and a second opening (122) are defined at opposite ends of the case (120) in the longitudinal direction, respectively; a first cap plate (131) coupled to the first opening (121) of the case (120) and insulated from and penetrated by a first terminal (161) that is electrically coupled to the first tab (1111) of the electrode assembly (110), the first cap plate (131) including a second terminal (162) electrically coupled to the second tab (1121) of the electrode assembly (110); and a second cap plate (132) coupled to the second opening (122) of the case (120) and electrically coupled to the second tab (1121) of the electrode assembly (110).