Buffered Electrode Tab Structure for Battery Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary batteries face issues with damage to the electrode assembly due to mechanical stress and strain, which can lead to performance degradation and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

The electrode tab design includes a first and second tab body connected by a connection member, with rotatable and spaced outer ends, and incorporates a buffer member within the tab bodies to absorb mechanical stress, allowing for flexible connection and reduced damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid electrode tab structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical stress damage to the electrode assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmechanical stress damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode tab is divided into multiple segments (first tab body, second tab body, third tab body) connected by connection members. This segmentation allows each segment to independently deform and absorb mechanical stress, preventing stress concentration that would occur in a rigid monolithic structure, while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed connection members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode tab incorporates rotatable connection members that enable dynamic movement between tab segments. This dynamic capability allows the tab structure to adapt to mechanical stress by rotating and reconfiguring, converting static rigid connections into flexible dynamic joints that reduce stress transmission to the electrode assembly while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tab bodies are closely connected, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility to absorb mechanical stress decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Connection members serve as intermediary elements between tab bodies, providing both mechanical connection for stability and rotational freedom for flexibility. These intermediaries mediate between the conflicting requirements by maintaining structural coherence through physical connection while allowing relative movement, thus achieving both structural stability and adaptive flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces mechanical stress on the electrode assembly, enhancing the durability and safety of the secondary battery by preventing damage and improving performance.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer member in at least one of the first tab body and/or the second tab body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first tab body and the second tab body may be rotatably connected about the connection member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4604306A1Electrode tab and secondary battery including the same

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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AI summary

An electrode tab (30) includes a first tab body (310), a second tab body (320) facing the first tab body, a connection member (330) between the first tab body and the second tab body, and a buffer member (340) in at least one of the first tab body or the second tab body.