Curved Electrode Assembly Geometry for Battery Swelling Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries with curved surfaces experience deformation due to the swelling phenomenon during the formation step, leading to a loss of intended shape and compromised assemblability and storage ability for electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The electrode assembly is designed with a curvature radius at the ends (R_e) being less than the curvature radius at the central portion (R_c), typically in the ratio of 0.95 to 0.99, to minimize deformation and maintain the intended shape after swelling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the electrode assembly is assembled with a constant curvature radius, then the initial shape is uniform, but the curvature radius changes unevenly after swelling leading to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature radius uniformityVSAvoidshape consistency after swelling
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the curvature radius of the electrode assembly before swelling occurs. Specifically, the initial curvature radius is set to be smaller at the ends and larger at the central portion, so that after swelling, the curvature radius becomes uniform throughout. This anticipates the swelling deformation and compensates for it in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curvature radius parameter distribution along the electrode assembly length. Instead of using a constant curvature radius, the invention varies the curvature radius parameter spatially - smaller at ends, larger at center - to compensate for the swelling effect and achieve uniform curvature after the formation step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the curvature radius at ends is made smaller than at central portion, then deformation after swelling is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature consistency after swellingVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the curvature radius along the length of the electrode assembly. The curvature radius parameter is set to be smaller at the ends and larger at the central portion, creating a controlled gradient that compensates for swelling and achieves uniform curvature after the formation step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3493315B1Electrode assembly, secondary battery including the electrode assembly, and method for manufacturing the electrode assembly
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3493315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3493315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3493315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are An electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the electrode assembly. According to the present invention, the electrode assembly may be manufactured in consideration of deformation of the electrode assembly and a secondary battery due to a swelling phenomenon to improve assemblability and storage ability of the secondary battery having a curved surface with respect to the electronic devices. According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above effects, provided is an electrode assembly having a curved surface, wherein a curvature radius (Re) of each of ends of the curved surface is less than a curvature radius (Rc) of a central portion of the curved surface.