Rechargeable Battery Fuse Integration in Narrow Cap Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face a challenge when the cap plate length is reduced, as there is insufficient space to install a fuse in the current collecting member, which is essential for connecting the electrode assembly and electrode terminal.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an electrode assembly with uncoated region tabs, a cap plate with shorter lengths, and a current collecting member that incorporates a fuse in a specific region, allowing the fuse to be effectively installed even when the cap plate's length is shortened, ensuring electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cap plate length is reduced, then the battery size is minimized, but there is insufficient space to install a fuse in the current collecting member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the fuse from a horizontal arrangement (along the cap plate length) to a vertical arrangement (along the electrode terminal height). This dimensional change allows the fuse to be installed in the height direction rather than the length direction, resolving the space conflict caused by the shortened cap plate while maintaining battery safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse is integrated within the current collecting member structure, which itself is nested between the electrode terminal and electrode assembly. This nested configuration allows the fuse to occupy space within the existing structural hierarchy without requiring additional external space, enabling fuse installation in the compactized battery design.
2Volume of moving object
If the cap plate length is reduced, then the battery size is minimized, but the space for connecting electrode terminal and electrode assembly becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure utilizes the height dimension (third direction) rather than relying solely on the length dimension (first direction). The electrode terminal extends in the height direction, and the current collecting member connects components vertically, transforming a two-dimensional layout problem into a three-dimensional solution that fits within the reduced cap plate length.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collecting member is designed with flexible connection portions that can adapt to spatial constraints. The terminal connection portion and tab connection portion are configured to lean and bend appropriately, allowing the connection structure to accommodate the narrowed opening while maintaining electrical connectivity.
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
This configuration ensures the fuse can be provided in the current collecting member, maintaining the battery's functionality and safety by ensuring a secure electrical connection, even in a narrowed case opening.
Implementation Method 1
a fuse that interrupts a current between the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrode assembly including uncoated region tabs that protrude toward one side of a coated portion; a case having a first length set in a first direction to receive the electrode assembly; a cap plate having a second length set in a second direction that crosses the first direction and a third length that is shorter than the first length and set in a third direction that crosses the second direction so as to be coupled corresponding to an opening of the case; an electrode terminal that is provided in a terminal hole of the cap plate; and a current collecting member that is disposed between the cap plate and the electrode assembly to connect the electrode terminal and the uncoated region tabs, and includes a fuse in a corresponding region of the electrode terminal, facing in the first direction.