Secondary battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary batteries face issues with battery characteristic deterioration due to uneven electrolyte distribution and liquid shortage during charging and discharging, which is exacerbated by non-uniform expansion and contraction of the electrode body.

Innovation Solution

The secondary battery design includes a band-shaped separator folded in a zigzag manner between electrode sheets, with end portions fastened by a tape, ensuring the electrolyte level is maintained below the upper edge of the separator, allowing uniform electrolyte distribution and minimizing liquid shortage by utilizing pressure differences during charging and discharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the separator is folded in turn and passes between electrode sheets, then the separator can be located between first and second electrode sheets to prevent short circuit, but the folded portion may cause deformation of electrodes and adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator insulation functionVSAvoidelectrode deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the folded portion of the separator from the electrode assembly by positioning it in the electrolyte reservoir space. The separator's folded end is placed in the electrolyte reservoir rather than between electrode sheets, eliminating the harmful folded portion while maintaining the separator's insulating function between electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte reservoir acts as an intermediary space that accommodates the separator's folded portion. By providing this dedicated space in the electrolyte reservoir, the patent allows the separator to be folded without causing electrode deformation, as the folded portion is isolated from the electrode assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the separator end portion is fastened to outer circumference of electrode body, then the separator can be securely positioned, but the fastening structure increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator position stabilityVSAvoidfastening structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator's own structure is utilized for fastening. The folded portion of the separator is wrapped around the outer circumference of the electrode body and fixed to itself, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This self-service approach maintains position stability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If the upper edge of separator is located below liquid level of electrolyte, then electrolyte distribution is improved, but the separator may be subjected to excessive electrolyte pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte distributionVSAvoidelectrolyte pressure on separator

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the separator are positioned at different heights relative to the electrolyte level. The main body of the separator between electrode sheets remains below the electrolyte level for good electrolyte distribution, while the folded end portion extends above the electrolyte level in the reservoir, reducing pressure on the separator's fastened portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design effectively suppresses battery characteristic deterioration by ensuring consistent electrolyte distribution and absorption, reducing the likelihood of liquid shortage and enhancing the battery's performance over multiple cycles.

Implementation Method 1

the separator has a band shape, is folded in turn, and sequentially passes between the first electrode sheets and the second electrode sheets to be thereby located between the first electrode sheets and the second electrode sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Implementation Method 2

an upper edge of the second end portion of the separator fastened by the tape is located below a liquid level of the electrolyte outside the electrode body in the case body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20260058187A1Secondary battery

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A case body housing a stacked electrode body and an electrolyte. Positive electrode sheets and negative electrode sheets are stacked, and folded with a separator sandwiched therebetween. The positive electrode sheets and the negative electrode sheets face opposed side surface portions in the cylindrical case body, and are alternately arranged. The stacked electrode body includes a first end portion and a second end portion located in a lower portion thereof. An upper edge of the second end portion is located below a liquid level of the electrolyte.