Battery Electrode Lead Structure for Weld Stability Under External Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in achieving higher reliability and energy density while maintaining a compact size and preventing short circuits and mechanical damage from external forces.
Innovation Solution
The battery design includes a flat middle part and bent end parts for the electrode leads, which are welded to the inner surfaces of the outer package member, along with a recessed configuration for the external terminal to enhance mechanical stability and reduce the battery's height, and uses a crimpless outer package can to increase energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode lead is made straight and rigid for stable welding, then welding reliability is improved, but the battery becomes more susceptible to mechanical damage from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead is designed with a bent configuration instead of a straight rigid structure. The bend creates a curved path that allows the lead to absorb and dissipate mechanical stress from external forces, preventing direct transmission of force to the welding point while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If the external terminal is positioned higher for easier connection, then ease of operation is improved, but the battery height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external terminal is positioned within a recessed area on the battery surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to create a lowered position rather than extending higher. This recessed configuration maintains accessible connection points while reducing the overall battery height by incorporating the terminal into the battery body depth rather than adding external height.
3Reliability
If the outer package can includes crimping structures for sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but energy density decreases due to additional material and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping structures and associated sealing mechanisms are completely removed from the outer package can design. The patent utilizes alternative sealing methods that do not require protruding crimping elements, thereby eliminating the additional material and volume these structures would occupy, thus improving energy density while maintaining sealing integrity through different means.
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
The design improves mechanical durability, prevents electrode lead detachment, and enhances energy density by maintaining electrical coupling and reducing the risk of short circuits, while allowing for a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
The middle part is flat and is welded to the inner surface of the external terminal or the inner surface of the outer package member
Data Source
AI summary
A battery is provided and includes a battery device, an outer package member, an external terminal, a first electrode lead, and a second electrode lead. The battery device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The outer package member contains the battery device. The external terminal is attached to the outer package member with an insulating member interposed between the external terminal and the outer package member. The first electrode lead couples the first electrode and an inner surface of the external terminal to each other. The second electrode lead couples the second electrode and an inner surface of the outer package member to each other. One or each of the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead includes a first end part, a middle part, and a second end part in order along a width direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of corresponding one of the first electrode lead or the second electrode lead. The middle part is flat and is welded to the inner surface of the external terminal or the inner surface of the outer package member. The first end part, the second end part, or both are bent in a direction away from the inner surface of the external terminal or the inner surface of the outer package member.