Cylindrical Energy Storage Cell With Integrated End Contact Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion energy storage cells face challenges in achieving high energy density, minimizing internal resistance, and managing thermal stress during fast charging, which can lead to deformation and damage due to localized heating at electrical output conductor lugs.
Innovation Solution
The design features a cylindrical energy storage cell with a band-shaped anode and cathode current collector, a metallic tubular housing with a circular opening, and an annular electrically insulating seal that functions as both a contact element and housing portion, eliminating the need for separate electrical connections and reducing internal resistance while enhancing cooling properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrical output conductor lugs are welded to current collectors, then electrical connection is established, but localized heating occurs during fast charging leading to deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing portion with the electrical contact function by making the housing itself electrically conductive and using it as the contact element for current collectors. This eliminates separate conductor lugs and distributes electrical contact over a larger area, reducing localized heating and thermal stress during fast charging operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (housing, contact elements, seals) are used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, acts as an electrical contact element for current collectors, and incorporates sealing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities of the energy storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate components (housing, contact elements, and sealing structures) into an integrated housing assembly. The housing portion directly contacts current collectors electrically while also providing mechanical support and sealing, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy density and thermal management performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar electrode arrangements to a three-dimensional cylindrical winding configuration. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization, higher energy density, and improved thermal management through radial heat dissipation, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized winding processes.
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 configuration achieves improved energy density, homogeneous current distribution, reduced internal resistance, and enhanced thermal management, leading to increased safety and producibility of the energy storage cells.
Implementation Method 1
an annular seal made of an electrically insulating material that surrounds the circular edge of the contact element
Implementation Method 2
Electrochemical cells are able to convert stored chemical energy to electrical energy through a redox reaction
Implementation Method 3
lithium, which is able to migrate back and forth in the form of ions between the electrodes of the cell
Implementation Method 4
This ion current passes through the separator and is enabled by an ion-conducting electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A an energy storage cell includes an electrode-separator assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator in a form of a cylindrical winding having two terminal end faces and a winding shell. An anode current collector includes a first longitudinal edge, and a cathode current collector includes a first longitudinal edge. The energy storage cell also includes a tubular housing portion in which the cylindrical winding is aligned axially. An at least partly metallic contact element with a circular edge is in direct contact with and connected the first longitudinal edge of the anode current collector or the first longitudinal edge of the cathode current collector. The energy storage cell further includes an annular seal made of an electrically insulating material that surrounds the circular edge of the contact element. The contact element together with the seal closes a terminal circular opening of the tubular housing portion.