Battery Collector Plate Spring Structure for Stronger Terminal Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary batteries face challenges in improving weldability and bonding strength between the terminal and collector plate, which can lead to damage and vibration of the electrode assembly, and require simplification of components.

Innovation Solution

The secondary battery design includes a first collector plate with a central portion, edge portion, and connection portion made of an elastically deformable material, which is integrated with a second collector plate and a terminal, enhancing weldability and bonding strength through a spring-like structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the terminal is directly welded to the collector plate, then the welding process is simple, but the weldability and bonding strength are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidcollector plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collector plate incorporates an elastic deformation section that allows dynamic adjustment during welding. This section can elastically deform to accommodate positioning tolerances and apply optimal pressing force during the welding process, thereby improving bonding strength without requiring a complex multi-component structure. The dynamic elasticity replaces the need for additional springs or adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collector plate's physical parameters are changed by introducing regions with different elastic moduli - a rigid section for structural support and a an elastic deformation section with lower elastic modulus for flexibility. This parameter variation allows the same component to provide both structural integrity and welding compliance, improving bonding strength while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If rigid fixation is used to ensure bonding strength, then the connection is stable, but the electrode assembly may be damaged due to excessive interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoiddamage to electrode assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic deformation section provides dynamic compliance during assembly and welding operations. When external forces or interference occur, this section can elastically deform to absorb excess energy and force, preventing transmission of damaging forces to the electrode assembly while maintaining sufficient bonding strength under normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deformation section acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that anticipates and mitigates potential excessive interference forces. By incorporating this compliant section beforehand, the design protects the electrode assembly from damage without requiring additional protective mechanisms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the collector plate is made rigid to maintain stability, then the structure is simple, but vibration of the electrode assembly cannot be mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collector plate transitions from a purely rigid structure to a semi-rigid structure with an elastic deformation section. This allows the structure to maintain overall stability while locally adapting to vibrations through elastic deformation. The rigid section provides structural stability, while the elastic section acts as a vibration damper, reducing transmitted vibrations to the electrode assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the elastic modulus parameter across different sections of the collector plate, the design achieves a balance between structural stability and vibration mitigation. The rigid section (high elastic modulus) maintains structural integrity, while the elastic deformation section (lower elastic modulus) provides vibration damping capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If multiple separate components are used to achieve proper fitting and welding, then the welding quality is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functional requirements (structural support, positioning compliance, vibration damping, and welding pressure application) into a single integrated collector plate component. The different sections of the collector plate perform different functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate springs, positioning elements, and damping components while maintaining high welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collector plate is designed as a multi-functional component where the rigid section provides structural support, the elastic deformation section provides compliance and vibration damping, and the rigid section again provides welding surface stability. This universal design achieves multiple objectives with a single component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves weldability and bonding strength, prevents electrode assembly damage, mitigates vibration, and simplifies components, while maintaining high energy density and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the connection portion including at least one bent part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

made of an elastically deformable material, which is integrated with a second collector plate and a terminal, enhancing weldability and bonding strength through a spring-like structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4451438B1Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4451438B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4451438B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4451438B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab, which are exposed at opposite sides, respectively; a first collector electrically connected to the first electrode tab; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and the first collector and having opposite open sides; a first cap plate configured to seal an opening of a first side of the case; and a first terminal electrically connected to the first collector and exposed to an outside of the first cap plate, and the first collector includes a first collector plate and a second collector plate, the first collector plate includes: a central portion; an edge portion extending from the central portion and coupled to the first electrode tab; and a connection portion, the connection portion including at least one bent part.