Cylindrical Battery Tab Welding for Rotational Torque Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cylindrical batteries lack durability against impact and rotational torque at the junction connecting the electrode unit to the case, requiring improved strength.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical battery design where the first and second electrode tabs are disposed to project out from the first electrode plate at opposite ends of the winding axis, with the first tab welded to the case bottom and the second tab welded to the case opening rim, enhancing structural integrity against rotational torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If two electrode tabs are welded to the bottom center of the case at the same location, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the strength against rotational torque is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength against rotational torqueVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode tab connection into two separate locations: one electrode tab is welded to the bottom center of the case, while the other electrode tab is welded to the opening rim of the case. This segmentation of the connection points distributes the rotational torque across different locations, preventing concentration of stress at a single point and thereby improving the overall strength against rotational torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane connection (both tabs at the bottom center) to a multi-dimensional arrangement by placing one tab at the bottom center and the other at the opening rim. This spatial distribution across different dimensions of the case structure creates a more robust configuration that effectively resists rotational torque through geometric distribution of connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If electrode tabs are connected at a single location, then the assembly process is easier, but the durability against impact is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability against impactVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode tab connections to different locations on the case structure - one at the bottom center and the other at the opening rim. This segmentation ensures that during impact events, the forces are distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at a single location, thereby improving durability against impact while maintaining a relatively straightforward assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If both electrode tabs are welded to the bottom of the case, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves structural integrity by distributing electrode tab connections across different dimensions of the case - one tab connected at the bottom center and the other at the opening rim. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a more stable structural configuration that better resists rotational torque and impact forces, while the welding processes at each location remain standard and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The battery exhibits improved strength against rotational torque, preventing detachment of electrode tabs and ensuring reliability in tests like drop and vibration tests.

Implementation Method 1

the first electrode tab being in contact with a bottom portion of the case by being welded thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

the second electrode tab being welded at the opening rim side opposite the bottom portion of the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS11489239B2Cylindrical battery and method of manufacture thereof
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US11489239B2 patent drawing
  • US11489239B2 patent drawing
  • US11489239B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cylindrical battery includes an electrode unit configured as a roll of a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate with a separator in between. The first electrode plate is an electrode plate to which one end of a first electrode tab and one end of a second electrode tab are connected, and the second electrode plate has the opposite polarity from the first electrode plate. Additionally, a case houses the electrode unit and a sealing member seals an opening rim of the case. The first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are disposed to project out from the first electrode plate at opposite ends of a winding axis of the first electrode plate. The first electrode tab contacts at a bottom portion of the case and the second electrode tab is welded at the opening rim side opposite the bottom portion of the case.