Cylindrical Battery Electrode Support Against Warpage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cylindrical rechargeable batteries experience deformation issues due to the negative electrode's large expansions and contractions, leading to warpage and potential short-circuits.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a deformation preventing member made of an elastically deformable material, such as a shape memory alloy or reinforced plastic, to support the electrode assembly and maintain its shape, along with additional components like compression springs or support members to minimize stress and prevent permanent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a cylindrical rechargeable battery uses a negative electrode that undergoes large expansions and contractions during charging and discharging, then the battery capacity and energy storage are improved, but the electrode assembly deforms and warps due to unresolved deformation forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrode assembly shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A deformation preventing member is pre-installed inside the electrode assembly before battery operation. This member proactively counteracts the expansion and contraction forces of the negative electrode during charging and discharging cycles, preventing warpage before it occurs rather than correcting it after deformation happens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation preventing member is designed with specific elastic properties and dimensional parameters that allow it to dynamically adjust its shape and rigidity in response to the negative electrode's volume changes. The member's elastic modulus and geometric configuration are optimized to provide appropriate counteracting forces during different states of charge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the negative electrode undergoes repeated expansions and contractions during charging and discharging, then the battery can be recharged multiple times, but deformation forces accumulate and cause permanent warpage inside the electrode assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverechargeable cyclesVSAvoidelectrode assembly structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation preventing member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the deformation forces generated during each charging and discharging cycle. By providing this protective cushioning in advance, the member prevents the accumulation of stress that would otherwise lead to permanent warpage and maintains structural integrity over many rechargeable cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation preventing member serves as an intermediary between the negative electrode and the surrounding electrode assembly components. It mediates the interaction by absorbing expansion forces and preventing them from transferring to and deforming the separator, current collectors, and other sensitive components during repeated charge-discharge cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents warpage and short-circuits by maintaining the electrode assembly's shape and reducing stress, thereby ensuring the battery's structural integrity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The deformation preventing member may include a shape memory alloy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

a deformation preventing member made of an elastically deformable material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The pressing member may be a compression spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4611085A1Cylindrical rechargeable battery
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4611085A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611085A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611085A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cylindrical rechargeable battery is provided that includes: an electrode assembly having an internal space at an innermost side thereof; a cylindrical can accommodating the electrode assembly; and a deformation preventing member that is made of an elastically deformable material. The deformation preventing member is provided with ends spaced apart from each other and such that the deformation preventing member overlaps itself. The deformation preventing member is positioned in the internal space of the electrode assembly and elastically supports the electrode assembly.