Protective Member for Battery Cell Welded Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pouch-type battery cells, the repeated contact between the welded portion of the electrode lead and the case can lead to damage and insulation failure, as the welded portion may repeatedly contact the case.
Innovation Solution
A protective member is introduced, comprising a first cover and a second cover that couple together with the welded portion interposed between them, forming an inner and outer accommodating portion to prevent contact between the welded portion and the case, with features such as extensions, protrusions, and sliding mechanisms for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode lead is directly welded to the electrode tab without additional protection, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the welded portion repeatedly contacts the case causing damage and insulation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective member as an intermediary component between the welded portion and the case. This protective member includes a body portion that accommodates the welded portion and extends to cover the electrode tab, preventing direct contact between the electrode lead and the case while maintaining insulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member is divided into distinct functional portions: a body portion for accommodating the welded portion and an extension portion for covering the electrode tab. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific protective function independently, enhancing overall reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a protective member is added to prevent contact between the welded portion and the case, then insulation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated component. The body portion and extension portion are merged into one structure that simultaneously protects the welded portion and covers the electrode tab, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining high insulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member serves multiple functions: it accommodates the welded portion, covers the electrode tab, prevents contact with the case, and provides insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, balancing reliability improvement with controlled complexity.
3Reliability
If the protective member uses a secure coupling mechanism with extensions and protrusions, then the protective function is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is segmented into a body portion and an extension portion that can be manufactured separately and then coupled together. The coupling mechanism uses simple protrusion and recess features that are easy to manufacture using standard molding techniques, balancing secure assembly with manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between the body portion and extension portion uses self-aligning protrusion and recess features that guide assembly automatically. This self-service coupling reduces the need for complex fastening operations or additional fasteners, maintaining manufacturing ease while ensuring reliable protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell includes an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode tabs, an electrode lead to which the plurality of electrode tabs are connected, a protective member accommodating a welded portion to which the plurality of electrode tabs and the electrode lead are welded therein, and a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the protective member therein, wherein the protective member includes a first cover disposed on one side of the welded portion and a second cover disposed on the other side of the welded portion and coupled to the first cover.