Battery Contact Sheet With Bent Tabs for Precise Cell Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in precisely placing a contact sheet metal part on the end face of an electrode-separator composite within electrochemical energy storage elements, particularly in cylindrical designs, where production-related fluctuations and the presence of a contact sheet metal part welded onto the composite can lead to increased internal resistance and insertion difficulties.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a contact sheet metal part with bent extensions or protruding areas that are designed to enclose a specific bending angle, allowing for precise placement and centering on the electrode-separator composite, facilitating easier insertion into a housing by adapting to the composite's dimensions and shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact sheet metal part is welded onto the electrode-separator composite, then electrical connection is achieved, but placement precision deteriorates due to production-related fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidplacement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact sheet metal part is pre-formed with bent extensions before assembly. These extensions are already shaped to match the expected geometry of the electrode-separator composite, allowing for automatic self-alignment during assembly and eliminating the need for high-precision placement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The contact sheet metal part is designed with bendable extensions that can deform during assembly to adapt to variations in the electrode-separator composite dimensions. This flexibility compensates for production tolerances and maintains reliable electrical connection despite placement variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a contact sheet metal part is welded onto the electrode-separator composite, then electrical connection is established, but internal resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidinternal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bent extensions are pre-formed to ensure optimal contact geometry with the electrode-separator composite. This preliminary shaping ensures that the contact area is maximized and contact pressure is optimally distributed, minimizing contact resistance and overall internal resistance of the energy storage element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a contact sheet metal part is placed on the end face, then electrical connection is achieved, but insertion into housing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidinsertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact sheet metal part is pre-formed with bent extensions that will automatically engage with the electrode-separator composite during assembly. This preliminary configuration allows the contact part to be inserted into the housing along with the composite without requiring separate, complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The contact sheet metal part and the electrode-separator composite are combined into a single assembly unit. The bent extensions of the contact part wrap around or engage with the composite, creating an integrated structure that simplifies handling and insertion into the housing as one piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enhances the precision of contact sheet metal part placement, reduces internal resistance, and simplifies the insertion process, thereby maximizing the energy density of the energy storage element by ensuring optimal contact and alignment with the electrode-separator composite.

Implementation Method 1

The contact sheet part is connected to the longitudinal edge by welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4496082A1Electrochemical energy storage element with contact sheet part and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 VARTA MICROBATTERY GMBH
  • EP4496082A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4496082A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2B
  • EP4496082A1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B

AI summary

An electrochemical energy storage element (100) with a housing is proposed. An electrode-separator assembly (104) is arranged within the housing. The electrode-separator assembly (104) comprises a side (104a, 104b) bounded by a circumferential rim or rims. A contact plate part (110) rests on the side (104a, 104b) of the electrode-separator assembly (104) and is welded to the electrode-separator assembly in the region of the side. The energy storage element (100) is further characterized in that the contact plate part (110) comprises at least one part (120) that is bent in the direction of the electrode-separator assembly (104), in particular bent over the rim or a rim bounding the side.