Rechargeable Battery Current Collecting Member Fuse Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries face instability issues due to overcurrent, which can lead to increased temperature, internal pressure, and potential explosion or ignition, especially when multiple batteries are connected in series.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a current collecting member with fuse regions that are designed to melt and disconnect electrical connections when an overcurrent flows, thereby preventing continuous high-capacity current flow and distributing current capacity, along with additional safety features like blocking members and short-circuit mechanisms to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple high-output rechargeable batteries are connected in series to increase power capacity, then the power output increases, but the risk of overcurrent-induced temperature rise and explosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The current collecting member is divided into multiple independent current collecting pieces (first, second, third, fourth pieces) that are electrically connected through fuse regions. This segmentation allows individual pieces to be isolated if overcurrent occurs in one section, preventing complete battery failure while maintaining power output from functional sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Fuse regions with smaller cross-sectional areas are pre-formed at specific locations between current collecting pieces. These fuse regions act as predetermined weak points that will melt and disconnect the circuit before excessive current can cause dangerous temperature rise or battery explosion, enabling protective action before the harmful effect occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If fuse regions with smaller cross-sectional area are formed to enable overcurrent interruption, then stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovercurrent protectionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse regions are formed as integral parts of the current collecting member itself, merging the current collection function and the fuse protection function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fuse devices and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining overcurrent protection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding complex protective devices, the solution uses parameter changes in the existing current collecting member - specifically varying the cross-sectional area to create fuse regions. This approach achieves overcurrent protection through geometric modification rather than adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively cuts off electrical connections during overcurrent events, reducing the risk of explosion or ignition and enhancing the overall stability of rechargeable batteries, especially in high-capacity battery modules.

Implementation Method 1

when an excessive current flows, a connection between the current collecting pieces may be cut off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a current collecting member (61, 62) electrically connecting the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (21, 22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2575189B1Rechargeable battery
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2575189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2575189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rechargeable battery includes: a rechargeable battery comprising: a housing, an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode and situated within the housing; a first electrode terminal; and a first current collecting member; wherein the first current collecting member comprises a terminal connection portion that is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and a current collecting piece that is electrically connected to the first electrode; characterised in that the first current collecting member comprises a fuse located between the terminal connection portion and the current collecting piece.