Current Collector Layout for Higher-Density Energy Storage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage devices experience a decrease in energy density due to the limited size of the electrode assembly caused by the meandering shape of the current collector, which separates the electrode assembly from the electrode terminal.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage device incorporates a current collector with a terminal connecting portion, an electrode connecting portion, and an intermediate portion, where the intermediate portion overlaps the terminal connecting portion, allowing the electrode connecting portion and terminal connecting portion to be arranged on one side, thereby bringing the electrode assembly closer to the electrode terminal, enhancing energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the current collector is folded in a meandering shape to connect the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly, then the current collector can connect the components, but the electrode assembly size is limited and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector transitions from a planar meandering shape to a three-dimensional structure where the intermediate portion overlaps the terminal connecting portion. This spatial reconfiguration allows the electrode assembly to extend further in the first direction without increasing the footprint area, thereby increasing electrode assembly volume and energy density within the same device envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion of the current collector is positioned to overlap and nest within the spatial envelope of the terminal connecting portion when viewed in the first direction. This nesting arrangement allows the current collector to achieve a compact configuration that maximizes the electrode assembly size without proportionally increasing the overall current collector volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the intermediate portion is arranged at a position overlapping the terminal connecting portion when viewed in the first direction, then the electrode assembly can be arranged closer to the electrode terminal, but the current collector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into three distinct functional portions: the terminal connecting portion, the intermediate portion, and the electrode connecting portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural coherence, making the complex configuration more manageable and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the current collector are designed with locally optimized characteristics: the terminal connecting portion is configured for electrical connection to the electrode terminal, the intermediate portion is positioned to overlap and provide structural support, and the electrode connecting portion is designed for connection to the electrode assembly. This local optimization allows the structure to achieve high energy density without requiring uniform complexity throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device includes a positive electrode terminal, an electrode assembly, and a positive electrode current collector connecting the positive electrode terminal and the electrode assembly, in which the positive electrode current collector has a terminal connecting portion connected to the positive electrode terminal, an electrode connecting portion connected to the electrode assembly in the first direction, and an intermediate portion connecting the terminal connecting portion and the electrode connecting portion, the intermediate portion is arranged at a position overlapping the terminal connecting portion when viewed in the first direction, and the electrode connecting portion and the terminal connecting portion are arranged on one side of the intermediate portion in the first direction.