Collector-Free Electrode Assembly for Flexible Battery Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode assemblies for secondary batteries face challenges in designing novel structures due to the requirement of a collector, limiting the ability to create innovative electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly comprising unit electrodes made entirely of a solid electrode mixture, including a conductive material and a binder, which are connected and laminated with separators to form a novel structure without a collector, and an electrode tab is attached for flexibility and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a collector is used in the electrode structure, then the electrode has structural support and conductivity, but the design flexibility and novelty of electrode structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the collector component from the electrode structure, replacing it with a solid electrode mixture that directly provides both structural support and conductivity. This elimination of the collector enables novel electrode designs without being constrained by traditional collector-based architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the collector (structural support and conductivity) with the solid electrode mixture itself. The solid electrode mixture comprises electrode active material, conductive material, and binder integrated into a single cohesive structure that performs both structural and conductive functions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a solid electrode mixture without collector is used, then design flexibility and novelty are improved, but the structural integrity and conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite solid electrode mixture comprising electrode active material, conductive material, and binder in specific combinations. This composite structure provides both structural integrity and conductivity simultaneously, enabling novel designs without sacrificing reliability. The conductive material network within the composite ensures electrical conductivity while the binder maintains structural cohesion.
3Shape
If multiple electrodes are connected to form unit electrodes, then the electrode assembly achieves desired shape and size, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrode into multiple individual electrodes that are subsequently connected to form unit electrodes. Each individual electrode can be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled into complex configurations. This segmentation allows achieving desired shapes and sizes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention connects multiple electrodes in various spatial arrangements (side-by-side, stacked, or a combination) to create unit electrodes with desired three-dimensional configurations. This multi-dimensional assembly approach enables complex electrode geometries while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through systematic connection patterns.
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
Enables the design of novel electrode structures with improved conductivity and adhesion, allowing for more flexible and compact battery designs by eliminating the need for a collector and enhancing the electrode assembly's performance.
Implementation Method 1
the solid electrode mixture comprises a mixture of an electrode active material with at least one or more of a conductive material and a binder
Implementation Method 2
An end of the electrode tab may be attached to the unit electrode by applying heat and a pressure in a state of overlaying the unit electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly, in which a plurality of unit electrodes and a plurality of separators are alternately laminated, is provided. Each of the unit electrodes is provided by connecting a plurality of electrodes, each electrode being entirely made of a solid electrode mixture, to each other, and the solid electrode mixture including a mixture of an electrode active material with at least one or more of a conductive material and a binder.