Can-Type Secondary Battery Formation to Prevent Electrode Swelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The swelling phenomenon of the electrode assembly in can-type secondary batteries due to gas trapped within the battery case during the formation process, which affects the thickness and manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of sequential pressures during the formation process of can-type secondary batteries, including a primary and secondary pressure stage, while maintaining the injection hole open to discharge gas, followed by secondary electrolyte injection and closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the injection hole is closed after electrolyte injection and formation process is performed, then the manufacturing process can be completed within predetermined time, but gas remains trapped causing electrode assembly swelling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process timeVSAvoidelectrode assembly thickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection hole is kept open during the formation process as a preliminary measure to allow gas to escape. This preliminary action prevents gas accumulation before it can cause swelling, enabling the hole to be closed afterward without compromising electrode assembly flatness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The formation process naturally generates gas as a harmful byproduct, but the invention converts this harmful effect into a benefit by utilizing the gas generation period to simultaneously perform degassing. The gas that would normally cause swelling is instead channeled out through the open injection hole, turning a problem into a solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If the injection hole is kept open during formation process to discharge gas, then electrode assembly swelling is prevented, but the injection hole must remain open extending process time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode assembly thickness uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of keeping the injection hole open for the entire formation process, the invention applies partial action by opening it only during the specific time window when gas is generated and needs to be discharged. Once gas discharge is complete, the hole is closed, avoiding unnecessary extension of process time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If secondary electrolyte is injected after formation process, then complete electrolyte filling is achieved, but additional process steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolyte volumeVSAvoidnumber of process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the electrolyte injection process with the formation process by keeping the injection hole open throughout. This allows the formation process to serve dual purposes: both forming the electrode structure and enabling electrolyte filling, thereby eliminating the need for a separate secondary electrolyte injection step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively discharges gas to prevent electrode assembly swelling and allows for efficient lamination of stack-type electrode assemblies within the can-type battery case, enhancing energy density and reducing manufacturing time.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure is applied to the battery case (12) while performing a formation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4167330B1Secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4167330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167330B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4167330B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes: accommodating an electrode assembly, in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked, in a can type battery case; primarily injecting an electrolyte through an injection hole; applying a pressure to the battery case while performing a formation process in a state in which the injection hole is opened; secondarily injecting the electrolyte through the injection hole; and closing the injection hole.