Secondary Battery Retainer Structure for Thin Insulator Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in thickness of insulating members in secondary batteries to increase internal space makes it difficult to securely attach them to the electrode assembly, compromising reliability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A retainer is attached to the side surfaces of the electrode assembly and insulating members, extending parallel to the direction between electrode tabs, providing insulation and securing the insulating members in place, with elastic portions ensuring stability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the thickness of the insulating member is reduced to increase internal space, then the volume of the battery is improved, but the reliability of attachment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment capable of independent attachment to the electrode assembly. This segmentation allows the insulating member to maintain secure attachment even when individual attachment points experience stress, while the reduced thickness provides sufficient internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
Attachment protrusions are pre-formed on the insulating member during manufacturing, positioned to engage with corresponding recesses on the electrode assembly before final assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable attachment is achieved even with reduced thickness, as the engagement geometry is optimized in advance.
2Shape
If the thickness of the insulating member is reduced, then the compactness of the battery is improved, but the stability of the insulating member is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member incorporates curved or rounded attachment surfaces instead of sharp edges, allowing it to nestle securely into corresponding features on the electrode assembly. This curvature provides stable positioning and prevents displacement, maintaining stability even when the overall thickness is reduced for compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member is designed as a thin, flexible component that can deform slightly to conform to the electrode assembly surface, then elastic recovery provides continuous contact pressure for stable positioning. This flexibility allows reduced thickness for compactness while maintaining attachment stability through elastic deformation.
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 retainer maintains mechanical stability and compactness of the electrode assembly by securing insulating members, allowing for a thinner design that enhances internal space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer may include a first elastic portion positioned that may be between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The first elastic portion may have elasticity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A secondary battery (100) may include an electrode assembly (110) including a first electrode tab (111) at an upper portion of the electrode assembly (110) and a second electrode tab (112) at a lower portion of the electrode assembly (110), a first insulating member (120) on the upper portion of the electrode assembly (110), a second insulating member (130) on the lower portion of the electrode assembly (110), and a retainer (140) stretched in length and attached to a side surface of each of the electrode assembly (110), the first insulating member (120), and the second insulating member (130).