Secondary Battery Terminal Connection Structure Against Tab Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in ensuring secure and reliable electrical connections between the electrode tabs and terminals, which can lead to instability and potential disconnection, especially in high-energy density applications.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design featuring a connection member with a current collector joining part and an electrode tab joining part, both connected to a cap assembly with insulation plates, and a terminal, ensuring stable contact through hooks and stopper surfaces to prevent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection member is used to connect the electrode tab to the terminal, then electrical connection is established, but the connection may become unstable and disconnect under high energy density conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is divided into multiple functional segments: a current collector portion for electrical connection, a joining part for mechanical attachment, and an electrode tab joining part for securing to the electrode tab. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall connection reliability without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining part is designed to be nested within or coupled to the current collector, creating a layered structure where the joining part provides mechanical anchoring while the current collector provides electrical conductivity. This nested configuration enhances connection stability by distributing mechanical and electrical functions across nested components.
2Reliability
If the connection member is designed with joining parts and hooks to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the connection member: electrical conduction, mechanical joining, and positioning are integrated into a single component rather than using separate elements. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining connection reliability through the multi-functional design of the connection member.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as an electrical conductor, a mechanical connector, and a positioning element for the electrode tab. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If the current collector joining part is pulled toward the terminal to ensure contact, then electrical connection is improved, but the structure requires additional towing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member incorporates a dynamic element through the towing part that allows the current collector joining part to move toward the terminal during assembly or operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable electrical contact while the towing mechanism provides controlled movement rather than rigid positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is designed to self-align and self-position through its structural features: the joining part naturally moves toward the terminal under assembly forces, and the hooks automatically engage with positioning features on the terminal. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external towing devices.
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 provides a robust and stable electrical connection, enhancing the reliability and stability of the battery, particularly in high-energy density applications, by preventing the movement of the connection members away from the terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a connection member towing part configured to pull the connection member such that the connection member comes into contact with the terminal
Implementation Method 2
The current collector joining part and the current collector may be in surface contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery and a battery pack including the same, and a secondary battery in which a connection member is firmly welded to a terminal, and a battery pack including the same, are provided. A secondary battery includes a case having an opening, an electrode assembly accommodated inside the case, an electrode tab connected to the electrode assembly, a connection member electrically connected to the electrode tab, and a cap assembly including a cap plate that closes the opening, a terminal coupled to the cap plate, and a connection member towing part configured to pull the connection member such that the connection member comes into contact with the terminal.