Button Cell Electrode Tab Angle for Electrolyte Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-small rechargeable batteries face challenges in ensuring easy flow of electrolyte solution into the electrode assembly due to their compact size, which can lead to variations in battery capacity and difficulties in supplying the electrolyte solution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates electrode tabs with inclined portions at a specific angle to facilitate the flow of the electrolyte solution into the electrode assembly, preventing obstruction and ensuring efficient electrolyte distribution, along with a thermal-fusion layer for insulation and safety features like a ventilation channel in case of temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery size is reduced to ultra-small dimensions, then the battery can be used in wearable devices with space constraints, but the electrolyte solution cannot be easily supplied into the electrode assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tab is designed with an inclined portion that creates a three-dimensional flow path for the electrolyte solution. By introducing a slope at a specific angle, the electrolyte can flow along the inclined surface from the case toward the electrode assembly, overcoming the space constraints of ultra-small battery dimensions and ensuring proper electrolyte distribution despite the reduced volume.
2Device complexity
If the electrode tab is positioned vertically, then the electrical connection is simple, but the electrolyte solution flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tab transitions from a symmetric vertical structure to an asymmetric inclined structure. By positioning the electrode tab at a specific angle rather than vertically, the design creates an asymmetric configuration that simultaneously maintains electrical connection functionality and eliminates obstruction to electrolyte solution flow, allowing the liquid to move freely along the slanted surface.
3Ease of operation
If the inclined portion angle is increased, then the electrolyte solution flows more easily, but the electrical connection stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the inclined portion angle as a critical parameter, selecting a specific angle range that balances two competing requirements. This parameter optimization ensures that the electrolyte solution can flow easily along the inclined surface while the electrode tab maintains stable electrical connection with both the electrode and terminal, achieving a compromise between flow efficiency and connection reliability.
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 design enhances the uniformity of electrolyte distribution within the ultra-small rechargeable battery, improving its capacity and safety by preventing short circuits and allowing for efficient gas discharge, thus reducing the risk of explosion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode tab of the electrode tabs has an inclined portion that is inclined at a first angle with respect to a surface of the electrode assembly facing the at least one electrode tab
Implementation Method 2
a thermal-fusion layer for insulation and safety features
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case including an inner space accommodating the electrode assembly, and an opening; a cap plate coupled to the case at the opening and including a terminal hole exposing the inner space; an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly through the terminal hole and overlapping the cap plate; electrode tabs respectively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode; and an electrolyte solution in the inner space, and at least one electrode tab of the electrode tabs has an inclined portion that is inclined at a first angle with respect to a surface of the electrode assembly facing the at least one electrode tab.