Rechargeable Battery Terminal Riveting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable batteries face challenges in reliably coupling an external bus bar to the electrode terminal, which can lead to terminal fractures due to internal or external pressure, affecting the battery's performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The rechargeable battery design includes an electrode assembly with a first and second electrode terminal, each comprising a terminal bolt and nut made of copper and aluminum respectively, featuring a rivet recess and extension parts for secure riveting to a cap plate, allowing easy coupling of an external bus bar without the need for a separate welding process, enhancing terminal reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a terminal bolt and nut structure is used to couple external bus bar, then the coupling ease is improved, but the terminal reliability deteriorates due to potential fractures from internal or external pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure is segmented into multiple functional parts: terminal bolt, terminal nut, rivet recess, and extension part. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bolt and nut for coupling, the rivet recess for secure fastening, and the extension part for additional structural support, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling easy coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal structure combines different materials with complementary properties: copper for the terminal bolt (providing electrical conductivity and ductility), aluminum for the terminal nut (providing lightweight strength), and nickel coating for corrosion resistance. This composite material approach enhances both the coupling capability and fracture resistance of the terminal assembly
2Reliability
If welding process is used to attach terminal to cap plate, then the terminal reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining method) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of terminal bolt, terminal nut, and riveting operation. This substitution eliminates the complexity of welding equipment and processes while achieving reliable attachment through mechanical means, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining terminal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal bolt is designed with a rivet recess and extension part that enable preliminary positioning and secure fastening before final assembly. The riveting operation creates a permanent mechanical connection that prevents detachment, ensuring terminal reliability is established during assembly rather than requiring post-assembly welding
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, a first collector plate, a case in which the electrode assembly is received, a cap plate sealing the case, a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode plate, the first electrode terminal including a first terminal bolt electrically connected to the first collector plate and passing through the cap plate, and a first terminal nut, the first terminal nut being engaged with the first terminal bolt so as to be riveted thereto.