Secondary Battery Insulating Damper for Electrode Assembly Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining electrical and structural stability over long periods due to electrical contact between adjacent electrode assemblies, which can lead to leakage and reduced insulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a damper between adjacent electrode assemblies, combined with a retainer and electrode current collector design that includes a first portion parallel to the cap plate, a second portion bent with respect to the first, and a third portion connecting them, along with an insulator and gasket for enhanced insulation and assembly stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple electrode assemblies are connected in series or parallel, then battery capacity and energy storage are improved, but electrical contact between adjacent electrode assemblies occurs leading to leakage and reduced insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating structure comprising an insulating plate and insulating columns as intermediary elements between adjacent electrode assemblies. The insulating plate is positioned between the electrode assemblies, and insulating columns extend from the insulating plate to physically separate and electrically insulate the adjacent electrode assemblies, preventing harmful electrical contact while allowing the batteries to be connected in series or parallel for increased capacity.
2Volume of moving object
If electrode assemblies are placed close together, then device compactness is improved, but electrical contact and leakage occur between adjacent assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating structure applies local quality by concentrating insulation functions at specific critical locations where electrical contact is most likely to occur. The insulating columns are strategically positioned to extend from the insulating plate toward the electrode assemblies, providing localized insulation at the interfaces between adjacent batteries, thereby preventing leakage without requiring uniform insulation throughout the entire device volume.
3Reliability
If insulating structures are added between electrode assemblies, then insulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating structure merges multiple insulation functions into a single integrated assembly. The insulating plate and insulating columns are combined into one structural unit that simultaneously provides base insulation (insulating plate) and enhanced point-to-point insulation (insulating columns). This merged structure simplifies assembly compared to installing separate insulating components at each interface, thereby improving insulation efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes a case having an opening therein, a cap plate attached to the case, a plurality of electrode assemblies in the case, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and uncoated edges of the positive and negative electrode plates extending out of each electrode assembly defining electrodes, an electrode terminal protruding outside the cap plate, a gasket covering the electrode terminal, an electrode current collector electrically connecting the electrode assemblies and the electrode terminal, a retainer between the electrode current collector and the case, the retainer being connected to the electrode assemblies, and a damper on a front side of the retainer that faces the electrode assemblies, the damper extending to be positioned between the electrodes of adjacent electrode assemblies.