Electrode Assembly Separator Member Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The stacking of multiple electrode stacks in secondary batteries often results in electrode breakage and protrusions due to gaps between the stacks, leading to adhesion issues and manufacturing defects.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the alternate stacking of electrodes and separators, followed by wrapping and fixing with a separator member using a hot press to ensure strong adhesion and predetermined thickness, which includes preparing folded electrode stacks and using a separator member with specific areas to securely attach and fuse the stacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple electrode stacks are stacked to increase battery capacity, then energy capacity is improved, but electrode breakage occurs due to gaps between stacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrode integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A separator member is introduced as an intermediary component between multiple electrode stacks. This separator member fills the gaps between stacks, provides mechanical support, and prevents electrode breakage while allowing the stacks to be closely arranged for increased capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator member is positioned in advance between electrode stacks to provide cushioning and protection. It prevents direct contact and potential damage between stacks during assembly and operation, ensuring electrode integrity from the outset.

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

2Quantity of substance

If multiple electrode stacks are stacked to increase battery capacity, then energy capacity is improved, but protrusion of electrodes from stacks occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidelectrode positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The separator member acts as a mediator that maintains precise positioning of electrodes within stacks. It prevents protrusion by providing a boundary and support structure that keeps electrodes properly aligned during assembly and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator member functions as a flexible thin film structure that conforms to the electrode stack geometry. It provides containment and positioning without rigid constraints, allowing for precise electrode positioning while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If electrode stacks are stacked closely to improve adhesion, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between stacksVSAvoidstacking structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator member provides uniform spacing and contact between electrode stacks, creating a homogeneous structure. This simplifies the stacking process by ensuring consistent adhesion and positioning across all stacks, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 method enables the secure stacking of electrode stacks at a predetermined thickness with strong adhesion, preventing defects and enhancing the energy capacity of secondary batteries, while improving manufacturing reliability and cosmetic appearance compared to tape fixation.

Implementation Method 1

a fixing step of heating and pressing the separator member to fix the plurality of stacked electrode stacks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a fixing step of heating and pressing the separator member to fix the plurality of stacked electrode stacks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressing: Compression

Implementation Method 3

The separator member may be fused while wrapping the plurality of stacked electrode stacks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFusing:

Data Source

PatentUS11251502B2Electrode assembly and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2022.02.15 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US11251502B2 patent drawing
  • US11251502B2 patent drawing
  • US11251502B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode stacks are stacked to improve product reliability when manufactured and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly and includes a preparation step of preparing a plurality of electrode stacks in which an electrode and a separator are alternately stacked, a stacking step of stacking the plurality of electrode stacks on each other, a packaging step of wrapping and packaging a circumferential potion of the plurality of stacked electrode stacks using a separator member, and a fixing step of heating and pressing the separator member to fix the plurality of stacked electrode stacks.