Cylindrical Battery Conductive Cover for Same-Side Tab Welding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cylindrical secondary battery design faces challenges in maximizing space utilization and facilitating the welding of electrode tabs due to spatial limitations and the difficulty in welding tabs to the round beading part at the top end of the case.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design featuring a conductive cover electrically connected to the case, with a flat part at the upper part of the case, allowing for easy welding of electrode tabs. The conductive cover includes a flat part, an extending part, and a coupling part to securely attach to the case, maximizing space utilization by drawing both positive and negative electrode tabs from the same side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrode tabs are drawn out from opposite sides (top and bottom) of the cylindrical battery, then electrical connection is achieved, but space utilization is limited and design efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidelectrode tab arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges both positive and negative electrode tabs to be drawn out from the same side (top end) of the battery, combining what were previously separate exit points into a single location. This is achieved by providing a conductive cover that electrically connects to the case and provides a flat welding surface where both tabs can be attached, thereby improving space utilization and design efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive cover as an additional structural element that creates a new dimensional platform (flat surface) at the top end of the battery. This cover serves as an intermediary structure that enables both electrode tabs to be positioned and welded on the same side, transforming the traditional opposite-side arrangement into a same-side configuration without compromising electrical connection.

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

2Strength

If a round beading part is formed at the top end of the case for fixing the electrode assembly, then structural integrity is achieved, but welding of electrode tabs becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidwelding of electrode tab
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the top end structure into two distinct functional components: the round beading part (which maintains structural integrity and fixes the electrode assembly) and the conductive cover with flat surface (which provides a suitable welding surface for electrode tabs). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, solving the contradiction between structural strength and welding ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive cover acts as an intermediary element between the round beading part and the electrode tabs. It provides a flat welding surface that facilitates easy attachment of electrode tabs while being electrically connected to the case, thereby mediating between the structural requirements of the beading part and the manufacturing requirements of tab welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3547392B1Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3547392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3547392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a secondary battery in which a conductive cover, which is electrically connected to a case and has a flat part, is formed at an upper end of the case so as to facilitate welding of an electrode tab and enable space utilization to be maximized. According to one embodiment, disclosed is a secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a case for accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap assembly which is coupled to an upper part of the case so as to seal the case, and has a terminal part; and a conductive cover which is coupled to an upper part of the case and fixed to a lateral plate of the case.