Electrode Assembly with Segmented Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium batteries using aluminum and copper foils are prone to performance defects due to shared current collectors, leading to inefficiencies in current collection and cell performance.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly design includes separate positive and negative electrodes with distinct active material layers and conductive layers, each with its own insulating and conductive layers, allowing independent Li-ion cells to be formed without shared current collectors, enhancing performance by optimizing current collection and cell balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conductive layers and tabs are used for each Li-ion cell, then current collection efficiency and cell performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive electrode is divided into multiple independent conductive layers (first conductive layer, second conductive layer) corresponding to different Li-ion cells, with each layer having its own current collection path through separate tabs. This segmentation allows independent current collection for each cell, improving current collection efficiency and cell performance while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode assembly are assigned different functions: the first conductive layer and its associated first tab serve the first Li-ion cell, while the second conductive layer and second tab serve the second Li-ion cell. This local differentiation optimizes current collection for each specific cell without interfering with other cells, resolving the contradiction between improved performance and increased complexity
2Productivity
If multiple independent Li-ion cells are formed in one electrode assembly, then charging and discharging rates are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple independent Li-ion cells, each with its own conductive layers and active material layers. This allows parallel charging and discharging operations across multiple cells, enhancing overall charging and discharging rates while using standardized manufacturing processes for each cell unit
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent Li-ion cells are combined into a single electrode assembly structure, sharing common insulating layers and separators while maintaining independent current collection paths. This merging approach enables enhanced charging and discharging rates through parallel operation, while the shared structural elements reduce manufacturing complexity compared to producing separate assemblies
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 performance of lithium batteries by allowing independent operation of multiple Li-ion cells, reducing defects and enhancing charging and discharging rates, while maintaining a suitable energy density and cycle life.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive layer on one surface of the first insulating layer and a second conductive layer on the other surface of the first insulating layer, a first active material layer on a surface of the first conductive layer, and a second active material layer on a surface of the second conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly is provided in the disclosure. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode includes a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer on one surface of the first insulating layer and a second conductive layer on the other surface of the first insulating layer, a first active material layer on a surface of the first conductive layer, and a second active material layer on a surface of the second conductive layer. The negative electrode includes a second insulating layer, a third conductive layer on one surface of the second insulating layer and a fourth conductive layer on the other surface of the second insulating layer, a third active material layer on a surface of the third conductive layer, and a fourth active material layer on a surface of the fourth conductive layer.