Secondary Battery Tab Nesting for Thermal Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries face challenges in efficiently transmitting heat and maintaining a strong coupling force between the electrode tab and the temperature protection device, which are crucial for effective thermal management and safety.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a temperature protection device with a positive temperature coefficient resistor, a transmission part with a thermally conductive interface, and a connection mechanism that enhances heat transfer and mechanical coupling between the electrode tab and the temperature protection device, utilizing a pouch with a terrace part and insulating tape for improved contact and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional electrode tab connection method is used, then the structure is simple, but the heat transmitting efficiency between the electrode tab and temperature protection device is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transmitting efficiencyVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first extension part is nested within the first connection part of the temperature protection device, creating a nested structure where the extension part fits inside the connection part. This nesting arrangement increases the contact area between the electrode tab and temperature protection device, thereby improving heat transmitting efficiency while maintaining a relatively compact and simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first extension part is bent at an end of the electrode tab, transitioning from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the extension part to extend into the connection part, increasing contact area and improving thermal coupling without significantly increasing the overall footprint or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a conventional electrode tab connection method is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the coupling force between the electrode tab and temperature protection device is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nested structure where the first extension part fits within the first connection part provides mechanical interlocking, thereby enhancing the coupling force between the electrode tab and temperature protection device. This nested arrangement creates a more secure connection that resists detachment while maintaining ease of assembly through a straightforward insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first extension part is bent into a curved or angled configuration rather than remaining straight. This curvature allows the extension part to better fit within the connection part, improving mechanical engagement and coupling force. The bent shape provides better geometric compatibility for secure attachment while not complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If the temperature protection device is loosely connected to the electrode tab, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the temperature sensing accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nested configuration ensures that the first extension part is securely positioned within the first connection part, establishing reliable thermal contact. This secure nesting arrangement guarantees accurate temperature sensing by ensuring consistent thermal coupling between the electrode tab and temperature protection device, while the modular nested design remains simple to assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By bending the first extension part into a three-dimensional configuration, the patent achieves better spatial alignment and contact between the temperature protection device and electrode tab. This dimensional adjustment ensures accurate temperature sensing through improved thermal contact without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration improves heat transmitting efficiency and coupling force between the electrode tab and the temperature protection device, ensuring effective thermal management and safety by ensuring accurate temperature sensing and rapid heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission part having a bottom surface making contact with a top surface of the first electrode tab and connected to the first connection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

When the temperature of the electrode assembly exceeds a preset value, electric resistance of the temperature protection device may increase until the current flowing between the connection tab and the first electrode tab is electrically cut off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive temperature coefficient effect: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS9425491B2Secondary battery
Publication Date: 2016.08.23 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US9425491B2 patent drawing
  • US9425491B2 patent drawing
  • US9425491B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A secondary battery with improved heat transmitting efficiency and coupling force between an electrode tab and a temperature protection device. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode having a first electrode tab extending to one side, a second electrode having a second electrode tab extending to one side, and a separator disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a pouch that includes a terrace part and a temperature protection device mounted on the terrace part and connected to the first electrode tab. The temperature protection device includes a first connection part connected to a first extension part, a transmission part in contact with the first electrode tab and connected to the first connection part, and a second connection part connected to the transmission part.