Secondary Battery Insulating Sheet and Retainer for Capacity Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in increasing capacity within a fixed case size and preventing damage to the electrode assembly during assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design that includes an insulating sheet surrounding the electrode assembly and a retainer, made of materials like polypropylene, to protect the electrode assembly from damage and electrical shorts, while allowing for efficient coupling with a case and cap assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the current collector plate size is reduced to increase battery capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but the electrode assembly becomes more vulnerable to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a retainer structure that protrudes into the case before the electrode assembly is installed. This retainer creates a protective buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the electrode assembly and the case walls, thereby protecting the reduced-size electrode assembly from damage during assembly while allowing the use of smaller current collector plates to maximize battery capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If the electrode assembly is made smaller to fit more active material, then the capacity increases, but the risk of electrical shorts and physical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing the retainer as a mediating structure between the electrode assembly and the case. This retainer acts as a protective intermediary that prevents harmful direct interactions, including electrical shorts and physical damage, while allowing the electrode assembly to be optimized for maximum capacity with smaller dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sheet is designed to be self-adhering through adhesive applied to its inner surface, allowing it to automatically secure the electrode assembly and retainer in position without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the assembly process while ensuring the electrode assembly is properly positioned and protected against harmful factors.
3Productivity
If the case internal volume is optimized for capacity, then the battery density increases, but the electrode assembly may contact the case causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the retainer structure in the vertical dimension (protruding upward from the case bottom) to create a protective barrier. This vertical extension allows the case to maintain its compact internal volume for high battery density while the retainer's protruding structure in another dimension prevents the electrode assembly from contacting the case walls, thus protecting against damage.
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
The design enhances capacity utilization and prevents damage to the electrode assembly, ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan by preventing scratches and shorts.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sheet may have an adhesive on an inner surface thereof, and the insulating sheet may be coupled to the electrode assembly and the retainer by the adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly having a long side and a short side; a retainer coupled to the short side of the electrode assembly; an insulating sheet surrounding a periphery of the electrode assembly and the retainer; and a case accommodating the electrode assembly, the retainer, and the insulating sheet.