Cylindrical Battery Top Cover Layout for Higher Energy Density

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylindrical batteries have low energy density due to inefficient utilization of internal space, as the positive and negative tabs extend axially and require a connecting piece, occupying valuable space.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical battery design where the first and second tabs, opposite in polarity, are located on the same end face and connected directly to the first and second conductive portions of the top cover assembly, eliminating the need for a connecting piece and enhancing internal space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the positive and negative tabs extend axially and are connected by a connecting piece, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the internal space utilization is low and energy density is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinternal space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positive and negative tabs to the same end face of the battery cell, eliminating the need for a separate connecting piece. The conductive portions are integrated directly into the cover structure, combining multiple functions (electrical connection, sealing, and structural support) into a unified design that optimizes internal space while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from an axial arrangement (tabs extending in opposite directions along the axis) to a radial arrangement (tabs located on the same end face). This dimensional change repositions the tabs from a linear axial configuration to a planar radial configuration, eliminating the space-consuming connecting piece and improving internal space utilization.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tabs are arranged on opposite ends axially, then the structural symmetry is maintained, but the internal space utilization is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural symmetryVSAvoidinternal space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by positioning both positive and negative tabs on the same end face rather than maintaining axial symmetry with tabs on opposite ends. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the need for a connecting piece and optimizes internal space, demonstrating that structural symmetry is not always necessary for functional performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If a connecting piece is used to join the tabs, then the electrical connection is secure, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the connecting piece, seal, and cover into a single integrated cover structure. The conductive portions are built directly into the cover, eliminating the need for separate connecting pieces and reducing the number of assembly steps. This integration maintains secure electrical connections while simplifying manufacturing and reducing production complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the connecting piece from the battery structure, replacing it with an integrated cover design. By removing this unnecessary component, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers production costs, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the integrated conductive portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design improves the energy density of the battery by optimizing the use of internal space and reducing costs, while ensuring effective sealing and insulation to prevent short circuits.

Implementation Method 1

a first insulating seal is arranged between the first through hole and the first conductive portion, and a second insulating seal is arranged between the second through hole and the second conductive portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of first nanopores are formed in a surface where the first through hole is connected to the first insulating seal, and the first insulating seal is in part embedded into the plurality of first nanopores

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20240014520A1Cylindrical Battery and Battery Module
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 JIANGSU ZENIO NEW ENERGY BATTERY TECH CO LTD
  • US20240014520A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014520A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014520A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of battery production and manufacturing, and specifically relates to a cylindrical battery and a battery module. The cylindrical battery includes: a housing, a cell and a top cover assembly. The housing is provided with an opening. The cell is arranged in the housing, the cell is provided with a first tab and a second tab opposite in polarity to the first tab, and the first tab and the second tab are both located on a same end face of the cell. The top cover assembly seals the opening and includes a cover, a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. The cover, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are in insulating connection, the first conductive portion is connected with the first tab, and the second conductive portion is connected with the second tab.