Secondary Battery Reference Electrode for Precise Potential Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring electrode potential in secondary batteries face variability in data due to operator-dependent procedures and difficulty in precisely adjusting electrolyte solution amounts, leading to inaccurate measurements and excessive use, which can cause deviations and waste.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design incorporating a reference electrode that extends between the battery case and cap assembly, sealed by crimp-coupling, allowing accurate measurement without a separate tray, minimizing electrolyte usage, and preventing structural damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wound type collector is used to reduce internal resistance and improve low-temperature performance, then charge acceptance and discharge characteristics are improved, but manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase due to the need for precise laser drilling and welding of thousands of holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge acceptance and discharge characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collector is divided into multiple segments with through-holes distributed across each segment. This segmentation allows the collector to maintain its wound structure while incorporating the necessary porosity for improved electrochemical performance, reducing the need for complex post-processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through-holes are formed in the collector segments before the winding process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent laser drilling and welding operations, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the performance benefits of a wound-type collector with controlled porosity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a wound type collector with through-holes is used, then porosity is improved for better electrolyte penetration, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise hole formation and winding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte penetration and charge acceptanceVSAvoidhole formation and winding precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The through-holes are formed in the collector segments before winding, ensuring precise hole positioning and dimensions without requiring high-precision winding operations. This preliminary action decouples the hole formation precision requirements from the winding process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collector segments have through-holes strategically distributed in specific patterns and densities according to local requirements for electrolyte penetration. This local quality approach optimizes porosity where needed while maintaining structural integrity in other areas, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a wound type collector structure is adopted, then internal resistance is reduced and low-temperature performance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex compared to traditional plate-type collectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal resistance and low-temperature performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The through-holes are formed in collector segments before winding, and the segments are pre-assembled with spacers and seals. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process despite the complex wound structure, making manufacturing more manageable compared to traditional plate-type collectors requiring extensive post-processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collector is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through winding. This segmentation allows for standardized production of collector components, improving ease of manufacture while achieving the performance benefits of a wound-type structure with reduced internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise electrode potential measurement by excluding resistance from additional leads and excess electrolyte, maintaining sealing integrity, and allowing high-temperature evaluations without structural compromise.

Implementation Method 1

the porous polymer coating layer has a capillary action for supplying the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a heating wire is wound around the battery cell in the radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4044323B1Secondary battery and manufacturing method of same

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

The secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a jelly roll-type electrode assembly impregnated with an electrolyte solution; a battery case for housing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution; a cap assembly coupled with an upper portion of the battery case; and a reference electrode in which one end is immersed with the electrolyte solution and the other end is exposed to the outside through the battery case and the cap assembly.