Diffusion-Bonded Battery Terminal with Nickel-Plated Metal Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery terminals formed of dissimilar metals face issues with conductivity and joining strength, particularly when subjected to vibrations, leading to potential corrosion and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A terminal component is designed with a first metal (copper) plated with nickel at the boundary surface, joined to a second metal (aluminum) through diffusion, forming a joining portion with controlled nickel thickness to enhance durability and conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal component is formed of dissimilar metals to improve conductivity and weldability, then the electrical performance is improved, but the joining interface durability under vibrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidjoining interface durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal component uses a composite structure of dissimilar metals (first metal and second metal) where each metal contributes its superior properties - one metal provides conductivity and weldability while the other provides vibration resistance. The metals are joined through diffusion bonding to create a durable interface that maintains both electrical performance and mechanical strength under vibrational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different metals to different regions of the terminal component based on local functional requirements. The first metal is used where conductivity and weldability are critical, while the second metal is used where vibration resistance is needed. This localized material selection optimizes both electrical performance and joining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If dissimilar metals are joined together to form a terminal component, then the functional properties are improved, but the joint strength under external forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the joint strength by adjusting parameters such as the diffusion bonding conditions, interface area, and metal composition ratios. By optimizing these parameters, the joint strength is enhanced to withstand external forces while maintaining the functional advantages of dissimilar metal construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a simple metal structure is used to reduce complexity, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the durability under vibrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoiddurability under vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a simple single-metal structure, the patent employs a composite structure of two metals joined at their interface. This composite design specifically addresses the vibration durability issue by combining metals with complementary properties, while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a high-strength, low-resistance joint that withstands vibrations and corrosion, ensuring reliable electrical connection and improved durability of the secondary battery terminals.

Implementation Method 1

On the first metal, nickel is plated at least on a boundary surface with the second metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 2

A joining portion joined by diffusion of the metals is formed in a portion of a boundary between the first metal and the second metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12609420B2Terminal component, secondary battery, and method for producing the terminal component
Publication Date: 2026.04.21 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
  • US12609420B2 patent drawing
  • US12609420B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal component disclosed herein includes a first metal and a second metal stacked on the first metal. On the first metal, nickel is plated at least on a boundary surface with the second metal. A joining portion joined by diffusion of the metals is formed in a portion of a boundary between the first metal and the second metal.