Battery Electrode Lead Layout to Suppress Container Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As secondary batteries increase in size and capacity, their outer containers are prone to deformation when internal pressure is reduced, which can lead to unintended opening of safety valves and potential bursting during abnormal conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates positive and negative electrode leads with first and second extending portions that press the center portions of the long side walls, suppressing deformation and preventing unintentional safety valve activation, while also optimizing the assembly process by reducing the volume of the leads and increasing the space for gas accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the outer container size is increased to accommodate higher capacity batteries, then the energy density and capacity are improved, but the outer container becomes significantly deformed when internal pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode leads are pre-formed with extending portions that protrude toward the center of the long side walls before battery assembly. These pre-positioned leads then press against the inner surfaces of the long side walls during operation, preventing deformation before it occurs during pressure reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode leads serve as an intermediary element between the internal pressure reduction and the outer container structure. By positioning the leads to press against the long side walls, they act as a mechanical mediator that transfers force to suppress wall deformation during vacuum sealing and operation
2Quantity of substance
If the outer container size is increased to accommodate higher capacity batteries, then the energy density and capacity are improved, but the safety valve may open unintentionally due to container deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode leads are pre-formed with extending portions positioned to press against the long side walls before any abnormal conditions occur. This preliminary positioning ensures that when pressure changes or abnormal conditions arise, the leads are already in place to suppress deformation and prevent unintended safety valve opening
Solution Approach 2:
The extending portions of the electrode leads provide preliminary counter-action against the forces that would cause container deformation and safety valve activation. By pressing against the long side walls in advance, they create a restraining force that opposes the deformation tendency during pressure reduction and abnormal conditions
3Productivity
If the electrode leads are reduced in volume to optimize assembly, then the assembly efficiency is improved, but the space for gas accumulation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode leads are designed with non-uniform structure where the main body is compact for efficient assembly, while specific extending portions are strategically positioned to press against the long side walls. This local differentiation allows compact overall volume while maintaining the necessary functional extension for deformation suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode leads utilize the radial dimension by extending toward the center of the long side walls rather than occupying axial or lateral space. This dimensional repositioning allows compact lead design that still achieves the deformation suppression function without compromising gas accumulation space
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, at least one of a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead of a secondary battery is formed of a metal plate and includes a first joint portion arranged facing a lid and joined to an output terminal, a second joint portion arranged facing an inner surface of one of long side walls and joined to one of a positive electrode current-collecting tab and a negative electrode current-collecting tab, and a first extending portion extending from one end portion of the first joint portion along the other long side wall toward a center portion of the long side wall in a longitudinal direction and arranged facing the center portion in the longitudinal direction at an inner surface of the other long side wall.