Secondary Battery Insulating Tape Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries are prone to short circuits due to external impacts on the electrode assembly, which can cause damage and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design incorporating an insulating tape with two layers, where the first layer is non-reactive and adhesive, and the second layer reacts with the electrolyte solution to fix the electrode assembly in place, preventing movement and electrical contact with the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer insulating tape is used to prevent short circuits, then electrical insulation is provided, but the electrode assembly can still move and cause short circuits during external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidelectrode assembly displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating tape is divided into two functional layers: a first layer (PE) for electrical insulation and a second layer (PS/OPS) for mechanical fixation. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, preventing both short circuits and electrode displacement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating tape uses a composite structure combining polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene/oriented polystyrene (PS/OPS). The PE layer provides dielectric insulation while the PS/OPS layer provides mechanical adhesion to the electrode assembly, creating a material system that addresses both electrical and mechanical protection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the insulating tape material is made adhesive to fix the electrode assembly, then mechanical stability is improved, but electrical insulation performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode assembly positioningVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tape is segmented into two layers with distinct functions: the first layer maintains electrical insulation properties while the second layer provides adhesive fixation. This eliminates the need for a single material to simultaneously provide both properties, resolving the contradiction between adhesion and insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulating tape have different properties: the first layer has high dielectric strength for insulation, while the second layer has adhesive properties for fixation. Each layer's local quality is optimized for its specific function, allowing both insulation and adhesion without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 short circuits and electrode assembly displacement during impacts, enhancing the safety and reliability of lithium secondary batteries by using a reactive layer to secure the assembly and a non-reactive layer for insulation.

Implementation Method 1

the second layer comprises a material that is arranged to react with the electrolyte solution to fix the electrode assembly to an inner surface of the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the first layer comprises an insulating and non-adhesive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2863449B1Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2863449B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2863449B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2863449B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A secondary battery comprises a case, an electrode assembly in the case, an electrolyte solution in the case and an insulating tape disposed between the case and the electrode assembly, the insulating tape comprising first and second layers, wherein the first layer comprises an insulating and non-adhesive material and the second layer is more reactive to the electrolyte solution than the first layer. The second layer may comprise a material that is arranged to react with the electrolyte solution to fix the electrode assembly to an inner surface of the case.