Battery Cell Cover Collector Layout for Short-Circuit Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cells face issues with a substantial risk of short circuits due to poor insulation and tightly packed electrical connections, which reduce reliability and limit the electrical capacity by occupying significant space within the cell.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves integrating the first polarity collector with the cover, relocating the welding of electrical connection tabs to a surface outside the cup, and using a sealing device to close a through opening hermetically, thereby simplifying manufacturing and increasing electrode space within the cup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the lid exerts stress on the electrode tabs to maximize space occupation, then the electrical capacity is improved, but the risk of short circuit increases due to poor insulation and tightly packed connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical capacityVSAvoidrisk of short circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the welding operation from the internal volume of the cup to the external surface of the lid. By relocating the welding surface to the outside of the cup, the electrode tabs have more space to extend and be welded without being compressed inside the cup, thereby maintaining insulation while enabling tight packing for maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the welding function from the containment function by providing a dedicated welding surface on the lid that is spatially distinct from the internal volume. This segmentation allows the electrode tabs to be welded externally while the lid simultaneously performs its containment and compression functions internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the electrical connection tabs are tightly packed to maximize space, then the electrical capacity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to insulation challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the welding operation to a different spatial dimension - from the internal three-dimensional space to the external two-dimensional surface of the lid. This dimensional transition simplifies manufacturing by providing easy access to welding surfaces without requiring complex insulation arrangements inside the compressed cell volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the welding is performed inside the cup, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the electrode holder dimensions are reduced limiting battery capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbattery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the welding operation in a different spatial location - on the external surface of the lid rather than inside the cup. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while eliminating the space constraint, as the welding process occurs outside the volume that must be optimized for electrode holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the risk of short circuits, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances the electrical capacity of the battery cell by optimizing the use of internal volume.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing device fixed on the cover and intended to close the first through opening in a hermetic manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 2

the electrical connection tabs of the first polarity electrodes being welded onto said first welding surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4454058B1Battery cell and associated manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SAFT GRP SA
  • EP4454058B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4454058B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4454058B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a battery cell (10) comprising a can (14), a cover (22) fastened to the can (14), at least a first electrochemical bundle inside the can (14), and at least one collector having a first polarity. The first-polarity collector is secured to the cover (22) and defines at least a first welding surface located away from the can (14), on which surface the electrical connection tabs of the electrodes of the first electrochemical bundle are welded. The cover (22) comprises an upper part (50) delimiting at least a first through-hole (52) located facing the first welding surface in an elevation direction (Z). The battery cell further comprises a sealing device (54) fastened to the cover (22) and intended to sealingly close the first through-hole (52).