Secondary Battery Integrated Electrode Terminal and Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of secondary batteries is complex and costly due to the separate handling of electrode terminals and plates, which also poses a risk of electrolyte leakage.
Innovation Solution
Combining the electrode terminal and plate as one part simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and minimizes electrolyte leakage by using a specific configuration of plates and insulation, including materials like polyphenylene sulfide and copper, with precise hole formations and welding to ensure electrical coupling and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrode terminals and plates are handled separately in the manufacturing process, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode terminal and plate into a single integrated component. The terminal is formed as an extension of the plate, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This merging of components directly reduces manufacturing complexity and process steps while maintaining functional integrity.
2Reliability
If electrode terminals and plates are handled separately, then assembly options are increased, but risk of electrolyte leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the terminal and plate into one continuous piece, the patent eliminates the interface between separate components where electrolyte leakage could occur. The unified structure removes potential failure points at connection interfaces, thereby improving reliability without adding complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrode terminals and plates are combined as one part, then manufacturing process is simplified and costs reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs hole formation in the plate before combining it with the terminal. This preliminary action allows for precise hole placement to be accomplished during the plate manufacturing process itself, using established precision techniques, rather than attempting to align and join pre-made components which would require even higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of terminal and plate into a single manufacturing process allows for coordinated formation of features like holes and welding areas. The unified structure enables simultaneous or sequential formation of multiple features with consistent precision, reducing the cumulative tolerance stacking that would occur with separate component assembly.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and effectively prevents electrolyte leakage, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the secondary battery.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode terminal may be welded to the first plate at a location near a first end of the first plate
Implementation Method 2
The second electrode terminal may be welded to the second plate at a location near a first end of the second plate
Implementation Method 3
The first collecting plate and the first plate may be welded together
Implementation Method 4
The second collecting plate and the second plate may be welded together
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a first collecting plate electrically coupled to the first electrode plate; a second collecting plate electrically coupled to the second electrode plate; a case containing the electrode assembly, the first collecting plate, and the second collecting plate; a first electrode terminal electrically coupled to the first collecting plate; a second electrode terminal electrically coupled to the second collecting plate; a first plate coupled to the first collecting plate and the first electrode plate and configured to seal the case; a second plate coupled to the second collecting plate and the second electrode terminal; and an insulation plate between the first plate and the second plate.