Secondary Battery Assembly with Split Terminal Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery manufacturing methods do not adequately enhance energy density, leaving room for improvement in this critical aspect.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing a secondary battery involves preparing a case with openings, producing an electrode assembly with tabs, electrically connecting terminals to the tabs, inserting the assembly into the case using a spacer for precise positioning, and sealing the openings to optimize energy density and ease of mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the electrode assembly is inserted into the case after both sealing plates are attached, then the assembly process is simplified, but the electrode tabs may be damaged during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidelectrode tab integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first sealing plate is attached to the case before the electrode assembly is inserted. This preliminary action creates a protected pathway for the electrode tabs, allowing them to pass through the sealing plate's through-holes without exposure to external damage risks during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first sealing plate acts as an intermediary structure that the electrode assembly passes through during insertion. The through-holes in the sealing plate guide and protect the electrode tabs, serving as a mediator between the insertion process and the final sealed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the electrode assembly is inserted from the second end portion side through the first opening, then the first electrode terminal can be connected before insertion, but the positioning precision may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal connection timingVSAvoidelectrode assembly positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrode terminal is electrically connected to the first electrode tab before the electrode assembly is inserted into the case. This preliminary connection ensures electrical continuity is established early in the process, simplifying the overall manufacturing sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The case is divided into two openings (first and second openings) at opposite ends, allowing the electrode assembly to be inserted from one end while terminals are connected at the other. This segmentation enables independent optimization of insertion and connection processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If both electrode terminals are connected before inserting the electrode assembly, then the assembly process is streamlined, but the case internal space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidcase internal space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Only the first electrode terminal is connected before insertion, while the second electrode terminal connection is deferred until after insertion. This selective preliminary action optimizes the balance between assembly efficiency and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal connection process is segmented into two stages: first terminal connection before insertion, and second terminal connection after insertion. This segmentation allows optimization of both assembly efficiency and internal space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4475288A1Method of manufacturing secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4475288A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4475288A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4475288A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a secondary battery includes: inserting an electrode assembly (200) into a case main body (110) from the second end portion side of the electrode assembly (200) through a first opening (111) after electrically connecting a first electrode terminal (131) and a first electrode tab (210B) to each other; electrically connecting a second electrode terminal (132) and a second electrode tab (220B) to each other after inserting the electrode assembly (200) into the case main body (110), a second electrode terminal (132) being provided on a second sealing plate (122); sealing the first opening (111) with a first sealing plate (121) after inserting the electrode assembly (200) into the case main body (110); and sealing a second opening (112) with the second sealing plate (122) after electrically connecting the second electrode terminal (132) and the second electrode tab (220B) to each other.