Rechargeable Battery Tab Positioning and Safety Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of rechargeable batteries is challenging due to the difficulty in coupling uncoated regions of the electrode assembly with current collecting members, particularly when two tabs are positioned at the same location, leading to complex and inefficient coupling processes.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a safety member with symmetrical unit safety portions that enclose both sides of the electrode assembly, allowing the first and second electrode tabs to be positioned at different locations, facilitating easy coupling by connecting the first electrode tab to the first current collecting member and the second electrode tab to the second current collecting member through the safety member, while preventing swelling and internal short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two tabs are positioned at the same position in the electrode assembly, then the battery structure is compact, but the coupling process becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tabs are segmented into different positions: the first tab protrudes from the first electrode plate while the second tab protrudes from the second electrode plate at a different location. This spatial segmentation allows each tab to be independently coupled to its corresponding current collecting member, resolving the coupling difficulty while maintaining compact battery structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where both tabs are at the same position to a three-dimensional arrangement where tabs are positioned at different spatial locations along the electrode assembly length. This dimensional change enables independent access to each tab for coupling operations.
2Reliability
If the safety member encloses both sides of the electrode assembly, then safety against swelling and short circuits is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses both sides of the electrode assembly to prevent swelling, provides electrical connection between the second tab and current collecting member, and acts as a protective barrier against short circuits. This multi-functionality improves safety without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety member uses uniform material properties and symmetric design on both sides of the electrode assembly, creating a homogeneous protective structure. This approach simplifies manufacturing while providing comprehensive safety coverage.
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 simplifies the assembly process, enhances electrical connectivity, and provides safety by preventing excessive heat generation and explosion risks due to internal short circuits, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the rechargeable battery.
Implementation Method 1
a first current collecting member coupled to a lower side of the cap plate and electrically connected to the first electrode tab, and a second current collecting member coupled to the lower side of the cap plate
Implementation Method 2
provides safety by preventing excessive heat generation and explosion risks due to internal short circuits
Implementation Method 3
The second connection portion may be welded to the second electrode tab
Data Source
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AI summary
A rechargeable battery (100) includes an electrode assembly (110) including a first electrode tab (111) protruding at a first end, and a second electrode tab (112) protruding at a second end; a case (120) having an open side and receiving the electrode assembly (110); a cap assembly (130) including a cap plate (131) covering the open side of the case (110), a first current collecting member (134) coupled to a lower side of the cap plate (131) and electrically connected to the first electrode tab (111), and a second current collecting member (135) coupled to the lower side of the cap plate (131); and a safety member (140) arranged on an outer surface of the electrode assembly (110), and the first electrode tab (111) protrudes at the first end toward the cap plate (131), the second electrode tab (112) protrudes at the second end away from the cap plate (131), and the second electrode tab (112) is electrically connected to the second current collecting member (135) through the safety member (140).