Rechargeable Battery Fixing Tape and Buffer Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries with layered spiral arrangement type electrode assemblies face issues with unwinding and inadequate impact absorption, which can lead to damage and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a fixing tape made of thermoplastic polyurethane on the exterior surface of the electrode assembly and a buffer member with protrusions inside the battery case, both of which expand when impregnated with electrolyte to absorb and buffer impacts, preventing unwinding and enhancing impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a layered spiral arrangement type electrode assembly is used, then ease of manufacture and high energy density are achieved, but the electrode assembly is prone to unwinding and impact damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing tape is attached to the electrode assembly before battery assembly to prevent unwinding in advance. This preliminary protective action secures the spiral structure before any potential damage can occur during battery manufacturing or usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member with shock-absorbing material is installed beforehand to cushion against impact forces. This pre-positioned protective element absorbs shocks before they can damage the electrode assembly, preventing unwinding and structural failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If rigid fixing structures are used to prevent unwinding, then structural stability is improved, but impact absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member changes its physical parameters by expanding when it absorbs electrolyte. This parameter change transforms the material from a compact state to an expanded state with increased shock-absorbing capacity, providing both structural support and impact protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member combines the fixing tape (for structural stability) with shock-absorbing material (for impact resistance). This composite structure integrates both functions: the tape prevents unwinding while the expanded material absorbs impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the fixing tape is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, then impact absorption is improved, but the material requires electrolyte impregnation to activate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member activates itself by absorbing electrolyte from the battery environment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external activation processes, and the activation occurs automatically as part of the battery's normal electrolyte distribution process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoplastic polyurethane undergoes a phase transition from a compact state to an expanded state when it absorbs electrolyte. This phase change activates the shock-absorbing properties of the material, transforming it into an effective impact protection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 solution effectively prevents the electrode assembly from unwinding and absorbs impacts, ensuring the battery's structural integrity and performance by using thermoplastic polyurethane materials that expand to buffer shocks, providing a continuous impact reduction effect.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing tape may comprise a material that is expanded when an electrolyte is impregnated and absorbs an impact in the expanded state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (physical): Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

both of which expand when impregnated with electrolyte to absorb and buffer impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpansion:

Data Source

PatentUS10403924B2Rechargeable battery

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A rechargeable battery comprises an electrode assembly having an electrode and a separator are alternately stacked and wound, a fixing tape attached to an exterior surface of the electrode assembly to prevent the electrode assembly from being unwound, and a battery case that receives the electrode assembly and the fixing tape therein. The fixing tape comprises a material that is expanded when an electrolyte is impregnated and absorbs an impact in the expanded state to buffer an impact applied to the electrode assembly.