Battery Cell Terminal Layout for Space-Efficient Thermal Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cells and batteries face challenges in achieving high electrical energy storage capacity, ease of manufacture, and operational safety while efficiently utilizing space and minimizing thermal risks.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical cell design features terminals located within the enveloping quadrilateral of a metal foil envelope, with walls of 20-150 μm thickness, and a cooling device for efficient heat management, allowing for efficient space utilization and thermal safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If terminals are arranged in the corners of the electrochemical cell, then space utilization is improved and energy storage capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning terminals specifically in the corners of the electrochemical cell rather than in conventional positions. This corner arrangement optimizes space utilization and allows for more efficient packing of multiple cells in a battery pack, directly addressing the volume utilization improvement while the standardized corner positioning actually simplifies manufacturing through consistent placement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional terminal positioning (typically on edges or faces) to corner positioning, effectively utilizing the vertices of the three-dimensional cell structure. This dimensional optimization maximizes the use of available space at the extreme points of the cell envelope, improving energy density while providing clear reference points for manufacturing alignment.
2Strength
If metal base foil thickness is increased to 20-150 μm, then structural strength and safety are improved, but material consumption and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise thickness range of 20-150 μm for the metal base foil, optimizing the balance between mechanical strength and material consumption. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient structural integrity for safety while minimizing unnecessary material use, directly resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using uniformly thick metal foils throughout, the invention applies the optimized thickness range only where structurally necessary in the envelope walls, achieving sufficient strength while reducing overall material consumption compared to thicker uniform designs.
3Volume of moving object
If terminals are disposed entirely within the enveloping quadrilateral, then space efficiency is improved, but terminal access and connection complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the terminal arrangement into distinct corner positions within the enveloping quadrilateral, with each corner serving as an independent connection point. This segmentation allows for modular connection design, reducing overall complexity by standardizing connection interfaces at each corner while maintaining space efficiency through compact corner placement.
Data Source
AI summary
This electrochemical cell for a battery, comprises a first electrode of a first polarity, a first terminal of the first polarity, a second electrode of a second polarity, a second terminal of the second polarity, an envelope comprising two walls. The envelope comprises two first edges and two second edges forming an enveloping quadrilateral. The first terminal of the first polarity and/or the second terminal of the second polarity is disposed entirely within the enveloping quadrilateral. The two walls each comprise a metal base foil having a thickness of between 20 μm and 150 μm. The first terminal of the first polarity is arranged in a first corner of the enveloping quadrilateral and the second terminal of the second polarity is arranged in a second corner of the enveloping quadrilateral, different from the first corner.