Secondary Battery End-Cap Structure for Vibration and Current Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries lack improved anti-vibration properties and energy density, as well as efficient current flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The secondary battery design includes an electrode assembly with tabs at opposite ends, a case with openings at both ends, and cap plates that are electrically coupled to the tabs, along with current collector plates and insulating plates to minimize gaps and enhance structural integrity and current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electrode assembly is placed in the case with gaps, then the assembly is easier to manufacture and install, but the anti-vibration property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing structure into multiple segments: a first sealing plate at the first end, a second sealing plate at the second end, and side sealing portions along the longitudinal sides. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and sealed, reducing gaps while maintaining ease of assembly. The modular sealing structure can be assembled step-by-step, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while achieving tight sealing throughout the case.
2Productivity
If the tabs are positioned at opposite ends of the electrode assembly, then the current flow characteristics improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second sealing plates serve multiple functions: they seal the ends of the case, provide mounting surfaces for terminals, support current collector plates, and maintain electrode assembly positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving current flow efficiency through proper tab positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Strength
If cap plates are coupled to both openings of the case, then the structural integrity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the structural support function by integrating side sealing portions into the overall cap plate assembly. The first and second sealing plates are coupled to opposite openings while side sealing portions connect them along the longitudinal edges, creating a unified sealing structure that enhances structural integrity without requiring entirely separate manufacturing processes for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first tab and a second tab at opposite ends of the electrode assembly in a longitudinal direction, respectively; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and in which a first opening and a second opening are defined at opposite ends of the case in the longitudinal direction, respectively; a first cap plate coupled to the first opening of the case and insulated from and penetrated by a first terminal that is electrically coupled to the first tab of the electrode assembly, the first cap plate including a second terminal electrically coupled to the second tab of the electrode assembly; and a second cap plate coupled to the second opening of the case and electrically coupled to the second tab of the electrode assembly.