Battery Current Collector Plate for Off-Center Cell Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion secondary batteries face difficulties in aligning the negative electrode current collector plate and electrode assembly during insertion due to off-center alignment, leading to deformation and welding challenges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a current collector plate with adjustable bridges and a rigidity reinforcing structure that allows for easy and firm insertion and coupling, even when the current collector plate and electrode assembly are off-center, by utilizing deformable adjustable portions and elastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the negative electrode current collector plate and electrode assembly are coupled concentrically, then the insertion into metal can is smooth without interference, but it is very difficult to precisely align the respective centers in the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector plate incorporates a flexible bridge structure with adjustable portions that can deform during insertion. This dynamic flexibility allows the plate to adapt to misalignment between the electrode assembly and metal can, enabling smooth insertion even when perfect concentric alignment is not achieved during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure includes adjustable portions that can change their physical state or configuration during insertion. By changing the rigidity or shape of the bridge portions, the current collector plate can accommodate varying alignment conditions and ensure proper insertion without requiring precise pre-alignment.
2Reliability
If the outer diameter of the negative electrode current collector plate and inner wall of the metal can are not substantially in abutting contact, then the current collector plate cannot be welded to the metal can, but forcing off-center insertion may cause deformation of the components
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bridge structure allows the current collector plate to dynamically adjust its position and shape during insertion, ensuring that the outer diameter makes substantial abutting contact with the inner wall of the metal can even when starting from an off-center position. This ensures both welding reliability and prevention of deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure acts as an intermediary element between the electrode assembly and the metal can, absorbing misalignment and facilitating proper contact. The adjustable portions of the bridge mediate the insertion process, allowing the current collector plate to achieve correct positioning without forcing that would cause deformation.
3Productivity
If off-center insertion is forced, then the electrode assembly can be inserted into the metal can, but the negative electrode current collector plate, electrode assembly, and/or metal can may be unintentionally deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bridge structure with adjustable portions provides a dynamic solution that allows rapid off-center insertion while preventing deformation. The bridge can deform to accommodate misalignment during quick insertion, then maintains proper contact to prevent subsequent deformation, thus achieving both high productivity and 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
Facilitates easy and secure insertion of the current collector plate into the cell housing, prevents deformation, and ensures effective coupling and welding, even with misalignment, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge may include an adjustable portion configured to deform in response to an applied force
Implementation Method 2
The bridge may include an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes a cell housing, an electrode assembly positioned within the cell housing, and a current collector plate positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to both the cell housing and a second electrode of the electrode assembly. The current collector plate includes an electrode coupling portion electrically coupled to the second electrode, a peripheral portion electrically coupled to the cell housing, and at least one bridge extending between and connecting the electrode coupling portion and the peripheral portion. The bridge includes an adjustable portion configured to deform in response to an applied force, and the peripheral portion may include a rigidity reinforcing structure. The battery may be a cylindrical battery, and the electrode assembly may have a jelly-roll configuration, with the second electrode being a negative electrode. A battery pack including multiple such batteries, and a vehicle including at least one of such battery packs, is also provided.