Curved Rechargeable Battery Case for Conformal Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rechargeable batteries are not designed to conform to curved surfaces of electronic devices, leading to shape mismatches and potential stress on electrode assemblies during charging and discharging, which can reduce battery life and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring a case with curved portions that accommodate multiple electrode assemblies without bending, allowing the batteries to be securely attached within the case without additional securing members, and enabling connection of multiple batteries to form a module that conforms to curved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional flat battery cases are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the battery cannot conform to curved surfaces of electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The battery case is designed with curved portions (concave and convex) that match the curved surfaces of electronic devices. The case includes a first curved portion that is concave on one outer surface and a second curved portion that is convex on another outer surface, allowing the battery to conform to curved device surfaces while maintaining structural integrity.
2Shape
If electrode assemblies are bent to fit curved surfaces, then shape conformity is achieved, but stress on electrodes increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The case itself is curved rather than the electrode assemblies. The concave and convex curved portions of the case provide the curved shape while the electrode assemblies remain straight, eliminating bending stress and maintaining battery reliability.
3Strength
If additional securing members are used to attach batteries to curved surfaces, then attachment strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved portions of the case (concave first curved portion and convex second curved portion) provide mechanical interlocking with the curved device surface, eliminating the need for additional securing members. The case shape itself provides the attachment mechanism, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery is disclosed. In one aspect, the battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode wound with a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes and a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The battery also includes a cap assembly including a cap plate coupled to the case to close an opening formed on one side of the case, a first terminal placed at the cap plate and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second terminal placed at the cap plate and electrically connected to the second electrode. The case includes a concave portion formed on one outer surface.