Rechargeable Battery Lateral Terminal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rechargeable battery modules require additional space for electrode terminal connection, limiting flexibility and increasing volume, especially in applications like electric vehicles where protruding terminals raise the height of the battery module.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring a case with a recessed hole on one lateral surface, allowing the electrode terminals to be integrated within the case, reducing the overall height and enabling flexible circuit placement, with a sealing portion that flattens the lateral surface and eliminates the need for separate terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrode terminals are fixed in a single direction and protrude from the battery cell, then electrical connection is achieved, but the volume of the battery module increases and flexibility for forming the battery module decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the terminal orientation from vertical protrusion to lateral integration. The first terminal is formed by a sealing portion that seals a hole in the lateral surface of the case, while the second terminal passes through the cap plate. This dimensional reorientation eliminates the need for additional connection space and allows circuits to be disposed on lateral portions rather than only on the upper portion, thereby reducing battery module volume and increasing formation flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If electrode terminals protrude from the upper portion of the battery cell, then electrical connection is achieved, but the height of the battery cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal formation process with the case and cap plate structure. The first terminal is integrated into the case through the sealing portion that seals the lateral hole, and the second terminal is integrated through the cap plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate protruding terminals, thereby reducing battery cell height while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If additional space is allocated for connecting electrode terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but the volume of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case and cap plate serve multiple functions: they contain the electrode assembly, provide structural support, and simultaneously form the terminals through their respective holes and sealing portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate terminal components and additional connection space, thereby reducing battery module volume while maintaining ease of electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case that accommodates the electrode assembly, in one lateral surface of which a hole is formed, and that includes an opening formed in another lateral surface facing the one lateral surface; a sealing portion that is connected to the hole and seals the hole so that a lateral surface of the case is flattened; a cap plate combined with the opening; and a second terminal that is connected to the second electrode and is protruded outside the case while passing through the cap plate, wherein the hole may have a shape recessed toward the electrode assembly with respect to a surface of the case.