Battery Cell Lead Structure for Resistance-Based Gas Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems struggle to accurately detect and respond to internal abnormalities, such as gas generation, which can lead to continued operation and potential accidents.

Innovation Solution

A battery system with a Battery Management System (BMS) that measures resistance between battery cells using conductive polymers and bus bars to detect abnormality, generating warnings and stopping operation when threshold resistance increases are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a battery cell is designed for high output power and fast charging, then power delivery capability is improved, but thermal management becomes more difficult and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidthermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The battery cell is segmented into multiple independent safety zones separated by partition walls. Each zone can independently manage thermal conditions, preventing heat propagation across the entire cell. This segmentation allows high power operation in localized areas without compromising overall thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid communication system acts as an intermediary between different zones and the external environment. The fluid circulation system transports heat away from high-power zones and distributes it to areas with lower thermal load, enabling effective thermal management during fast charging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If safety measures are added to prevent internal shorts and thermal runaway, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple safety functions are merged into integrated components. The partition walls simultaneously provide mechanical separation, electrical isolation, and thermal management pathways. The fluid communication system integrates safety monitoring, thermal regulation, and pressure relief functions into a single system, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls and fluid communication system serve multiple functions: electrical isolation, thermal management, pressure regulation, and safety monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each safety function, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If partition walls are added to isolate dangerous areas, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The partition walls are designed with optimized thickness and material properties that balance safety isolation requirements with manufacturing feasibility. By adjusting parameters such as wall thickness, material conductivity, and connection methods, the design achieves effective isolation while maintaining reasonable assembly tolerances and manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If fluid communication systems are implemented for pressure equalization, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure equalizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid communication system is merged with the thermal management and safety venting functions. The same fluid channels that equalize pressure also serve as heat transfer pathways and safety release routes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4068467B1Battery cell and battery system comprising the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4068467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4068467B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4068467B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery cell includes: an electrode assembly; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; a first lead electrode electrically connected to at least one of two electrode tabs of the electrode assembly; a conductive polymer including one surface that is in contact with one surface of the first lead electrode; and a second lead electrode including one surface that is in contact with the other surface of the conductive polymer, in which when a gap between the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode increases, resistance between the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode increases.