Solid-State Battery Electrode Assembly for Internal Pressure Buffering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pouch-type secondary batteries experience a reduction in lifetime due to changes in internal pressure caused by volume expansion and contraction during charging and discharging, which is not effectively managed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An electrode assembly with polymer layers on both ends, having a specific thickness and yield strength, is integrated into the battery structure to control internal pressure changes, utilizing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte and elastic polymer materials like silicone resin to buffer volume fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional pouch-type battery structure is used with electrode leads protruding, then battery can be manufactured with standard sealing process, but internal pressure changes during charging/discharging adversely affect battery lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing processVSAvoidbattery lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A polymer layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode assembly and the exterior member. This polymer layer acts as a buffer that absorbs and mitigates the adverse effects of internal pressure changes during charging and discharging, thereby protecting the battery structure and extending battery lifetime while maintaining compatibility with standard sealing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer layer is pre-installed between the electrode assembly and the exterior member before the battery is sealed. This beforehand cushioning structure is designed to anticipate and absorb the pressure changes that will occur during subsequent charging and discharging cycles, preventing damage to the battery structure and maintaining reliability over time.

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

2Reliability

If thermal fusion is performed with sealing member on film for upper and lower parts, then sealing properties are improved, but complexity of sealing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing propertiesVSAvoidsealing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it improves sealing properties by filling gaps and enhancing the bond between the electrode assembly and exterior member, while also acting as a pressure buffer during battery operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing members, thereby improving sealing quality without increasing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 electrode assembly effectively manages internal pressure changes, enhancing the battery's lifetime by maintaining structural stability and preventing lithium dendrite formation, thereby improving capacity retention rates.

Implementation Method 1

polymer layers are comprised on both ends of the electrode assembly... having a specific thickness and yield strength... to control internal pressure changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

solid electrolyte layer... comprising a sulfide-based solid electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Fast Ion Conductor

Data Source

PatentEP4213270B1Electrode assembly for secondary battery, and secondary battery comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4213270B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4213270B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4213270B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrode structures comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid electrolyte layer disposed the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and polymer layers at both ends of the electrode assembly, and a secondary battery comprising the same.