Current Collector Support Portions for Battery Electrode Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries face challenges in securely fixing the electrode assembly within the case to prevent damage from external impacts and improve energy density.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a current collector with specific support portions that correspond to the electrode assembly's surfaces, extending from the terminal connecting portions to prevent movement and ensure secure fixation, while maintaining electrical connectivity through uncoated portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a current collector with support portions is used to fix the electrode assembly, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector is divided into multiple functional portions: terminal connecting portions for electrical connection, side surface support portions for lateral support, top surface support portions for upper fixation, and bottom surface support portions for lower fixation. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall reliability while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The current collector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection through terminal connecting portions, mechanical support through side surface support portions, and fixation through top and bottom surface support portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the electrode assembly is tightly fixed to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector provides fixation only at specific locations where support portions contact the electrode assembly (terminal connecting portions, side surface support portions, top surface support portions, and bottom surface support portions). The spaces between these localized fixation points remain empty, allowing maximum placement of active materials while maintaining reliability through targeted mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous tight fixation that would reduce active material volume, the current collector uses segmented support portions at strategic locations. This segmentation fixes the electrode assembly sufficiently to prevent movement and damage, while leaving the majority of the internal space available for energy-storing active materials, thereby maintaining high energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2482366B1Secondary Battery
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2482366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2482366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2482366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a collector plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and having a bottom surface support portion facing a bottom surface of the electrode assembly, and a case surrounding the electrode assembly and the collector plate.