Battery End Cap Assembly With Axial Terminal Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing end cap assemblies for batteries have a large space occupation due to the electrode terminal structure, which limits the energy density and efficiency of the battery.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an end cap assembly with an electrode terminal and a connector where the electrode terminal is positioned opposite to the electrode lead-out hole, and the connector fixes the terminal without overlapping with the end cap projections, reducing the radial size of the terminal and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode terminal is positioned to cover the electrode lead-out hole on the end cap, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the radial size of the electrode terminal increases and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidspace occupied by electrode terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the electrode terminal from a radial arrangement (covering the lead-out hole) to an axial arrangement (opposite the lead-out hole). This dimensional change allows the terminal to maintain electrical connection through the connector while reducing radial size and optimizing space utilization in the battery cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the electrode terminal structure is designed with larger size for stability and connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the energy density of the battery cell decreases due to increased space occupation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By transitioning from radial to axial positioning of the electrode terminal, the patent reduces the radial dimensions without compromising connection reliability. This frees up valuable radial space within the battery cell that can be utilized for additional active materials, thereby improving energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode terminal is nested within the connector structure, which itself is integrated with the end cap assembly. This nested arrangement allows the terminal to be securely held and electrically connected while occupying minimal space, as the terminal is contained within the connector's internal volume rather than extending radially outward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4050711B1End cover assembly, battery cell, battery, and apparatus and method for manufacturing battery cell
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4050711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4050711B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4050711B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An end cap assembly (23), a battery cell (20), a battery (100), battery cell (20) manufacturing equipment (2000) and method are provided, which belong to the technical field of batteries. The end cap assembly (23) includes an end cap (231), an electrode terminal (232) and a connector (233). The end cap (231) is provided with an electrode lead-out hole (2311) which penetrates the end cap (231) in a thickness direction (Z) of the end cap (231). The electrode terminal (232) is configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (22). The connector (233) is configured to connect the end cap (231) to fix the electrode terminal (232). The electrode terminal (232) is provided opposite to the electrode lead-out hole (2311), and a projection of the electrode terminal (232) in the thickness direction (Z) does not overlap with a projection of the end cap (231) in the thickness direction (Z). The connector (23) serves to connect the electrode terminal (232) and the end cap (231), thereby fixing the electrode terminal (232) and the end cap (231). The electrode terminal (232) is provided opposite to the electrode lead-out hole (2311), and a projection of the electrode terminal (232) in the thickness direction (Z) does not overlap with a projection of the end cap (231) in the thickness direction (Z), thus a radial size of the electrode terminal (232) is smaller, which reduces the space occupied by the electrode terminal (232), saves material and has better economy.