Battery Cell Casing Layout for Higher Volumetric Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cells have low volume efficiency due to the negative-current collector unit not being in contact with the exterior case, limiting the overall packing density and performance.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell design includes an electrode assembly with positive and negative electrodes stacked alternately, where a first current collector unit is connected to the positive electrodes and a second current collector unit is connected to the negative electrodes, both units being in contact with separate casing bodies of the exterior case, allowing them to function as terminals while being insulated from each other, thereby increasing volumetric efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one current collector unit is in contact with the exterior case, then the structure is simpler, but the volumetric efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior case is segmented into a first casing body and a second casing body, with each body independently connected to a respective current collector unit (positive or negative). This segmentation allows both current collector units to be in contact with the exterior case simultaneously, improving volumetric efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Volume of stationary object
If both current collector units are in contact with the exterior case, then the volumetric efficiency increases, but the risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second casing bodies. This insulating member prevents direct electrical contact between the positive and negative current collector units, eliminating short circuit risk while allowing both units to maintain contact with the exterior case for improved volumetric efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the negative current collector unit is not in contact with the exterior case, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the packing density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of the exterior case and the negative current collector unit are merged by making the second casing body electrically connected to the negative current collector unit. This integration allows the exterior case to serve dual purposes: mechanical protection and electrical conduction, thereby improving packing density without complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell includes: an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately stacked in a first direction; a first current collector unit connected to at least one of the positive electrodes; a second current collector unit connected to at least one of the negative electrodes; and an exterior case accommodating the electrode assembly, the first current collector unit, and the second current collector unit. The exterior case includes a first casing body and a second casing body. At least a portion of the first current collector unit is located between the first casing body and the electrode assembly in the first direction and is electrically connected to the first casing body. At least a portion of the second current collector unit is located between the second casing body and the electrode assembly in the first direction, and is electrically connected to the second casing body.