Stepped Current Collector Structure for Battery Cell Heat Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Deformation of current collector members in secondary batteries can lead to increased electrical resistance, heat generation, and short circuits, necessitating a structure to prevent such deformation.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design featuring a current collecting assembly with a first current collecting portion formed stepwise, including contact and connecting portions that are spaced apart from the electrode assembly, forming a heat dissipation space, and a second current collecting portion with a bent plate configuration to enhance structural rigidity and facilitate heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the current collector member is made thin and flexible to fit the battery structure, then it can be easily manufactured and assembled, but it becomes prone to deformation under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector member is divided into a body portion and a protruding portion with different thicknesses. The body portion has a first thickness while the protruding portion has a second thickness greater than the first, creating a stepped structure. This segmentation allows the collector to be flexible where needed while providing rigidity at the terminal contact points, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector member exhibits non-uniform thickness distribution, with the protruding portion having increased thickness compared to the body portion. This local quality enhancement provides additional structural support and rigidity at the terminal area where mechanical stress and electrical contact requirements are highest, while maintaining overall flexibility and ease of assembly for the rest of the structure.
2Strength
If the current collector member is made thick and rigid to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult due to reduced surface area contact with cooling structures
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped thickness structure segments the heat dissipation function: the thin body portion provides large surface area for heat dissipation and flexibility, while the thick protruding portion provides structural rigidity and serves as a dedicated heat conduction path to terminals. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between strength and heat dissipation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary between the electrode tabs and the battery terminals. It provides a thick, rigid structure that efficiently conducts heat away from the welding point while maintaining structural integrity, thereby mediating between the thermal management requirements and the mechanical strength requirements of the current collector system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the current collector member has uniform thickness throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot simultaneously provide adequate rigidity at terminals and efficient heat dissipation across the entire structure
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is segmented into zones with different thicknesses optimized for different functions: the body portion is thinner for flexibility and heat dissipation, while the protruding portion is thicker for rigidity and stable electrical connection. This segmentation maintains manufacturing feasibility while significantly improving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The local quality principle is applied by varying the thickness of the current collector member at specific locations. The protruding portion has increased thickness to provide enhanced structural support and stable electrical connection at the terminal interface, while the body portion maintains thinner profile for heat dissipation and flexibility. This localized enhancement improves reliability without overly complicating manufacturing.
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
The design minimizes deformation of the current collecting portion, reduces electrical resistance, and rapidly dissipates heat, thereby improving the safety and performance of secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first current collecting portion electrically connected to an electrode tab of the electrode assembly
Implementation Method 2
a gap (a heat dissipation space) for heat dissipation may be formed between the electrode assembly and the connecting portion
Implementation Method 3
a gap (a heat dissipation space) for heat dissipation may be formed between the electrode assembly and the connecting portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Provided are a battery cell and a battery module. The battery cell includes a cell assembly including at least one electrode assembly and a current collecting assembly disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly and including a first current collecting portion electrically connected to an electrode tab of the electrode assembly, wherein the first current collecting portion is formed stepwise and contacts the electrode tab on a first surface facing the cell assembly.