Rechargeable Battery Lead Tab Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rechargeable batteries face issues with stability and durability against external vibrations and impacts, leading to potential deformation and movement of the lead tab and electrode assembly, which can result in poor contact and generate heat, potentially causing electrolyte dissolution and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a supporting member with a coupling bar, supporting protrusions, and a side end supporting plate that securely attaches to the lead tab and electrode assembly, preventing movement and deformation under impact, thereby enhancing stability and contact reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lead tab is used to electrically connect the terminal and electrode assembly, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the lead tab is vulnerable to deformation and movement under external vibrations and impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lead tab is divided into multiple coupling bars that are attached to different locations on the electrode assembly. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and prevents single-point failure, thereby improving both reliability and stability under external vibrations and impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A supporting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the lead tab and the case. This supporting member provides additional mechanical support and stabilization to the coupling bars, preventing deformation and movement while maintaining electrical connectivity through the lead tab structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lead tab and electrode assembly are secured against movement, then stability under impact is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional supporting structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to the coupling bars, stabilizes the lead tab structure, and integrates with the existing case and electrode assembly. This multi-functionality achieves improved impact resistance without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member is integrated with the case structure, merging the support function into the existing housing rather than adding a completely separate component system. This integration approach reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2458659B1Rechargeable battery
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2458659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2458659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2458659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rechargeable battery including at least one electrode assembly that performs charging and discharging; a case receiving the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the case and including at least one terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a lead tab electrically connecting the terminal and the electrode assembly; and a supporting member between the lead tab and the case, wherein the lead tab includes at least one coupling bar attached to the electrode assembly, and the supporting member includes a supporting protrusion coupled to one surface of the coupling bar and a base supported by an inner surface of the case.