Secondary Battery Current Collector Nested Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face challenges in maximizing capacity within a given dimension due to inefficient space utilization in their design, particularly in the configuration of electrode assemblies and current collectors.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electrode assembly with an uncoated portion connected to a current collector's second region, which protrudes toward the electrode assembly, and a retainer with fixing hooks, allowing for optimized space utilization and reduced size, along with a molding member covering a fuse hole for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional current collector configuration is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the space utilization efficiency is low and capacity is limited within given dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is configured with a nested multi-region structure where the first region, second region, and third region are arranged in a nested manner. The second region is positioned between the first and third regions, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces the overall volume occupied by the current collector while maintaining all necessary functional connections to the electrode assembly and terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector transitions from a conventional planar configuration to a three-dimensional multi-region structure with vertical and horizontal extensions. The first region extends toward the terminal, the second region positions the connection point toward the electrode assembly, and the third region extends downward, creating a spatial arrangement that optimizes space utilization in multiple dimensions.
2Reliability
If the current collector is extended to connect all components, then connectivity is ensured, but the battery size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector employs a nested multi-region configuration where functional zones are arranged concentrically and spatially optimized. The first region handles terminal connection, the second region manages electrode assembly connection, and the third region provides structural support, all nested within a compact footprint that minimizes overall length while ensuring reliable connectivity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the current collector are optimized for specific local functions: the first region is configured for terminal connection with appropriate conductivity and mechanical properties, the second region is positioned and shaped for optimal connection to the electrode assembly, and the third region provides structural support and alignment. This localized optimization ensures reliable connectivity without requiring excessive overall length.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A secondary battery has increased space utilization efficiency and can increase a capacity of an electrode assembly within a given dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, a secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including an electrode uncoated portion; a case receiving the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to a top portion of the case and sealing the case; and a current collector including a terminal connector positioned between the electrode assembly and the cap plate, and an electrode connector bent at an end of the terminal connector and positioned between the electrode assembly and the case, and the electrode connector includes a first region connected to the terminal connector and protruding toward the case, and a second region positioned under the first region and protruding toward the electrode assembly.