Secondary Battery Case Structure for Safe Electrode Assembly Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in easily seating and coupling the electrode assembly within secondary batteries to prevent damage during insertion and ensure secure welding without foreign matter entering the internal space.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a first case with extended second and third plate portions for easy insertion of the electrode assembly, which is then accommodated between the first and second cases, allowing for external welding to prevent internal contamination and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode assembly is inserted into a closed case structure, then the battery structure is compact and secure, but the electrode assembly may be damaged during insertion and welding foreign matter may enter the internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two separate cases (first case and second case) that are coupled together. The electrode assembly is inserted into the first case through its open side, allowing easy insertion without damage risk, while the second case is then coupled to complete the sealed structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both open access for insertion and closed structure for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is inserted into the first case before the second case is coupled. This preliminary insertion action allows the electrode assembly to be positioned securely before the final sealing operation, preventing damage during the coupling process and ensuring no foreign matter enters during insertion.
2Strength
If welding is performed inside the battery case, then the electrode assembly can be securely connected, but welding foreign matter may contaminate the internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The welding operation is extracted from the internal space of the battery case and performed on the outer surface where the first case and second case are coupled. This extraction eliminates the risk of welding foreign matter (sparks, debris) entering the internal space while maintaining secure electrical connections through the current collector plate and terminal tabs that extend into the internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector plate and terminal tabs serve as intermediaries that transmit the electrical connection from the welding point on the outer surface to the electrode assembly inside the sealed case. This allows strong welded connections to be made externally while the internal space remains protected from contamination.
3Ease of operation
If the case structure is designed with extended plate portions for easy electrode assembly insertion, then the insertion process is simplified and damage is prevented, but the case structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extended second plate portion and third plate portion of the first case serve multiple functions: they form the open side through which the electrode assembly is inserted, provides structural support for the coupling with the second case, and houses the current collector plate and terminal tabs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity while achieving easy insertion.
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 facilitates safe and efficient insertion of the electrode assembly, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for easy welding outside the battery, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency and preventing foreign matter from entering the internal space.
Implementation Method 1
the first case and the second case may be welded and coupled at an engaged boundary
Implementation Method 2
each of the current collector tabs may include a welded portion in which one end is bent and welded to the current collector plate
Data Source
AI summary
In the present disclosure, a secondary battery in which seating and coupling of an electrode assembly may be easily performed is disclosed.For example, a secondary battery including: a first case including a first plate portion having a rectangular shape, and a second plate portion and a third plate portion formed along a short side of the first plate portion; a second case including a rectangular-shaped first plate portion corresponding to the first case, and a second plate portion and a third plate portion formed along a long side of the first plate portion of the first plate portion; and an electrode assembly accommodated in an inner space in which the first case and the second case are coupled, wherein the first case and the second case are engaged with and coupled to each other, is disclosed.