Battery Cell Electrolyte Sensor for Real-Time Separator Interface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring electrolyte concentration in lithium secondary batteries are unable to directly and accurately measure the concentration between the electrode and separator in real-time, often resulting in low accuracy and stability issues due to the risk of short circuits and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell with a measuring unit comprising a first and second electrode plate stacked with an insulating film, allowing for direct measurement of electrolyte concentration by inserting the unit between the separator and electrode, with through-holes for improved electrolyte impregnation and using wires connected to a resistance measuring device for real-time data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional conductive metal rod method is used to measure electrolyte concentration, then the measurement can be performed indirectly, but the measurement accuracy is low and real-time measurement between electrode and separator is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from a separate external device and integrates it directly into the battery cell structure. The measuring unit with first and second electrode plates is inserted between the separator and electrode, allowing direct measurement of electrolyte concentration at the critical interface where lithium ions are transferred, eliminating the need for indirect external measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit is nested within the battery cell structure itself. The first electrode plate, insulating film, and second electrode plate are stacked and inserted into the battery cell, with the measuring unit becoming an integral part of the cell assembly. This nested approach enables direct measurement without adding external complexity
2Measurement precision
If measuring devices are inserted between separator and electrode to measure electrolyte concentration directly, then measurement accuracy improves, but the risk of short circuit increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the first electrode plate and the separator, and between the second electrode plate and the electrode. This insulating film prevents direct electrical contact that would cause short circuits, while still allowing the measuring unit to function and measure electrolyte concentration accurately at the electrode-separator interface
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating film is applied selectively only at critical locations where short circuit risk exists (between electrode plates and conductive components), while other areas maintain their original conductive properties. This localized application of insulation preserves measurement functionality while preventing short circuits
3Reliability
If a separate insulating film attachment process is added to prevent short circuits, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating film is integrated into the measuring unit assembly itself during manufacturing, rather than being attached separately to the separator or electrode plates after assembly. The first electrode plate, insulating film, and second electrode plate are stacked and pre-assembled as a complete measuring unit, which is then inserted into the battery cell as a single component. This merging of steps eliminates separate insulating film attachment processes and reduces manufacturing complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If the measuring unit structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture improves, but the speed and accuracy of electrolyte concentration measurement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit uses thin film structures for the electrode plates and insulating film, which are easy to manufacture and assemble. These thin films provide sufficient functionality for measurement while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to bulky rigid structures. The thin film design maintains electrical properties needed for accurate and rapid measurement
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
Enables precise, real-time measurement of electrolyte concentration with enhanced stability and simplified manufacturing, reducing the risk of short circuits and improving the accuracy and speed of electrolyte concentration measurement compared to prior methods.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating film which absorbs the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
the resistance value between the wires attached to the rod is calculated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery cell including an electrolyte ion concentration measurement unit and a method for measuring an electrolyte concentration using same. The battery cell according to the present invention comprises a measurement unit in which a first electrode plate, an insulation film, and a second electrode plate are sequentially stacked on one another, wherein the measurement unit is inserted between a separator of the battery cell and an electrode thereof, and thus can directly measure an electrolyte concentration between the separator and the electrode. Therefore, the battery cell can be simply manufactured and has excellent stability. In addition, according to the present invention, the method for measuring an electrolyte concentration of a secondary battery using the battery cell enables measurement of electrolyte concentration in real time even during the use of the battery and can measure an electrolyte concentration of the separator more accurately and quickly than a conventional technology.