Secondary Battery Terminal Coupling via Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of cylindrical secondary batteries is compromised by foreign substances generated during welding, and ultrasonic resistance welding has limitations due to the shape and thickness of collector plates and terminals.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery with a terminal coupling structure that uses a coupling part mechanically coupled to the collector plate by pressure, eliminating the need for welding and reducing foreign substance generation, featuring a coupling part that is bent outward from the center and has a diameter of about 3π to 8π, and a method involving cold forming to electrically connect the terminal to the collector plate without welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to connect the terminal to the collector plate, then electrical connection is achieved, but foreign substances are generated that deteriorate battery stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical pressing system. The terminal is mechanically pressed onto the collector plate to achieve electrical connection, eliminating the foreign substances generated by welding. The pressing force creates sufficient contact pressure for low resistance electrical connection without introducing harmful byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressing mechanism as an intermediary between the terminal and collector plate. This intermediary applies controlled pressure to ensure reliable electrical connection without direct welding contact, thereby preventing foreign substance generation while maintaining connection quality.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ultrasonic resistance welding is used to reduce foreign substance generation, then foreign substances are reduced, but the base material attaches to the welding rod according to shape and thickness limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from welding (thermal process with shape/thickness constraints) to mechanical pressing (force-based process). The pressing force, pressure distribution, and contact area can be adjusted to accommodate various shapes and thicknesses of collectors and terminals, providing universal applicability without the limitations of ultrasonic welding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical coupling by pressure is used to connect the terminal to the collector plate, then foreign substance generation is prevented and adaptability to different shapes is improved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary design features in the terminal structure, such as a coupling part with specific geometry (e.g., protrusions, recesses, or bent configurations) that engage with corresponding features on the collector plate. This preliminary structural design ensures that when pressing force is applied, the mechanical coupling achieves both strong connection and adaptability to different shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or bent coupling parts in the terminal structure rather than straight rigid connections. The bent coupling part can deform elastically under pressing force to accommodate shape variations while maintaining strong mechanical engagement. This curvature provides both adaptability to different collector plate shapes and sufficient connection strength through elastic deformation and contact area distribution.
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 solution enhances battery stability by preventing foreign substance contamination, reduces electrical resistance, and simplifies the terminal bonding process, improving productivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a terminal having a coupling part mechanically coupled to the collector plate by a pressure, electrically connected to the collector plate
Implementation Method 2
The coupling part may be bent outwardly from a center area of the terminal
Implementation Method 3
pressing, by the pressure tool, the coupling part of the terminal to mechanically couple the coupling part to the collector plate
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a secondary battery. The secondary battery includes a can, an electrode assembly (110, 110') in the can, a collector plate (180, 180') electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a terminal (160, 160') having a coupling part mechanically coupled to the collector plate by a pressure, electrically connected to the collector plate, and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.