Chamfered Electrode Tab Structure to Prevent Battery Short Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The movement of electrode tabs in secondary batteries during charging and discharging can cause damage to internal components, leading to potential short circuits due to contact with other components within the battery case.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of chamfered edges on the electrode tabs to prevent damage by acting as a buffer and reducing contact with the cap plate and insulating member, thereby minimizing the risk of internal short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode tabs are left with sharp edges, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the electrode tabs can damage internal components and cause short circuits when they move during charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by chamfering the electrode tab edges before assembly into the battery. This pre-processing step creates an inclined surface that prevents sharp edges from damaging internal components during subsequent movement, thereby improving reliability without adding complex manufacturing steps during battery assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfered edge structure acts as a cushioning measure by distributing contact forces over an inclined surface rather than a sharp edge. This beforehand cushioning prevents concentration of stress that could damage the cap plate or insulating members, reducing the risk of short circuits before they can occur
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode tabs are chamfered to prevent damage, then the safety and reliability improve, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by chamfering only the specific edges of the electrode tabs that are most likely to contact internal components, rather than modifying the entire electrode tab structure. This localized modification reduces damage risk at critical contact points while maintaining the overall simplicity of the electrode tab design
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfered edge creates an asymmetric geometry on the electrode tab, with one side having an inclined surface and the other remaining sharp. This asymmetric design provides directional protection against damage while minimizing the extent of structural modification required
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being wound together with the separator therebetween; an electrode tab connected to the first electrode; a case having an opening at one side, and to accommodate the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly coupled to the one side of the case to seal the opening of the case, and including a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode tab connected to the first electrode. The electrode tab includes a plurality of edges, and at least one of the plurality of edges is chamfered.