Secondary Battery Tab Protection Using Shrink Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face issues with electrode deformation or breakage due to the use of lithium metal, which has low mechanical strength, and existing reinforcement methods like adhesive taping can cause chemical reactions and are cumbersome, failing to adequately protect the welding portion and electrode tab extensions.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a protection part made of insulating material, shrunk by a predetermined energy source, covers the electrodes, electrode tabs, and electrode leads, ensuring durability and stability by preventing disconnection and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to reinforce the welding portion, then durability is improved, but chemical reactions with electrolyte occur and battery performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protection part made of insulating material as an intermediary component between the electrode components and the electrolyte. This protection part covers the welding portion and electrode tab extending region, preventing direct contact between adhesive materials and electrolyte, thereby eliminating harmful chemical reactions while maintaining durability enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable protection part made of insulating material that can be easily applied and removed if needed. This protection part serves as a temporary barrier during battery operation, providing durable protection without requiring long-term permanence, and can be replaced if degradation occurs without affecting the core battery structure.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to reinforce the welding portion, then durability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protection function and insulation function into a single integrated protection part made of insulating material. This merged component simultaneously protects the welding portion from mechanical damage and provides electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate adhesive tape application steps and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining durability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection part made of insulating material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the welding portion for durability, provides electrical insulation, prevents electrolyte contact, and protects the electrode tab extending region. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate components and steps, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 design enhances durability and stability by protecting vulnerable areas with a separate protection part, simplifies manufacturing, and ensures effective protection of welding portions and electrode tab extensions, while maintaining electrical insulation and moisture resistance.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the protection part may include a first layer and a second layer that are configured to be stacked, and the first layer and the second layer may be formed of different materials from each other
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A secondary battery may include: an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes, an electrode tab extending from at least one of the plurality of electrodes, and separators interposed between the plurality of electrodes: an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode tab; and a protection part covering at least a part of the plurality of electrodes, at least a part of the electrode tab, and a part of the electrode lead, wherein at least a portion of the protection part is formed of an insulating material which is shrunk by a predetermined energy source. Other embodiments are also possible.