Battery Terminal Coupling Structure for Reliable Current Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling portion between members in a terminal for an electricity storage device lacks reliability, leading to potential mechanical and electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
A terminal design featuring a first conductive member with a recessed portion and a second conductive member, where the fastening portion is located closer to the outer periphery than the metal joining portion, ensuring a secure mechanical and electrical connection through metallic joining and caulking, enhancing the conductivity and durability of the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conductive members are coupled in a terminal for an electricity storage device, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the coupling portion lacks reliability leading to mechanical and electrical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical fastening and metal joining into a single integrated coupling structure. The first conductive member includes both a fastening portion (for mechanical coupling) and a metal joining portion (for metallurgical bonding) as unified components, allowing simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and electrical conductivity without requiring separate coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is divided into functionally distinct portions: a fastening portion for mechanical attachment, a metal joining portion for metallurgical bonding, and a coupling portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the reliability problem
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional coupling methods are used between conductive members, then assembly is simplified, but deformation and corrosion occur reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective measures in advance by designing the coupling structure with distributed stress regions and corrosion-resistant material selections before assembly. The fastening portion and metal joining portion are configured to preemptively resist deformation forces, and the metal materials selected inherently provide corrosion resistance, preventing damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal uses different metal materials for different portions: the first conductive member may use aluminum or aluminum alloy for lightweight and corrosion resistance, while the second conductive member uses copper or copper alloy for high conductivity. This composite material approach allows each portion to be optimized for its specific requirements while working together
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 significantly increases the reliability of the coupling between conductive members, maintaining excellent conductivity and durability, while reducing the likelihood of deformation and corrosion, thus improving the overall performance of the electricity storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a second member that is formed of metal and is ultrasonically welded to one surface of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity storage device includes an electrode body, a case, a terminal, and a current collecting member. The terminal includes a first conductive member and a second conductive member. The first conductive member includes a recessed portion in a first surface. The first conductive member includes a fastening portion and a metal joining portion. The second conductive member includes a flange portion and a coupling portion. A distal end of the coupling portion includes a diameter extended portion. The diameter extended portion is coupled to the current collecting member. A portion of the flange portion is arranged in the recessed portion of the first conductive member. An outer peripheral edge of the first conductive member and an outer peripheral edge of the flange portion are located in an approximately same position in a radial direction of the flange portion.