Electrode Assembly Tab Bonding for Battery Design Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrode assemblies for secondary batteries have limited design freedom and shape deformation due to restricted positioning of electrode tabs, which hampers the development of compact and high-capacity battery packs with varied shapes.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly design includes a first and second electrode unit with alternately stacked electrodes and separators, where the tab bonding body is positioned within the width of the second electrode unit, and the leading electrode tab for connection is placed on the first electrode unit, expanding the connection range and allowing for increased design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrode tabs are directly connected between first and second electrode units, then electrical connection is achieved, but the position range for electrode lead connection is narrowly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by stacking the second electrode unit on top of the first electrode unit, creating a vertical arrangement. This allows the electrode lead to connect to the tab bonding body from the vertical direction rather than being constrained to the horizontal plane, significantly expanding the available connection positions and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab bonding body serves as an intermediary component that connects the electrode tabs from both the first and second electrode units. This mediator structure provides a dedicated connection point for the electrode lead, separating the electrical connection function from the structural stacking arrangement and enabling greater design freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrode assembly uses fixed tab bonding structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but shape deformation freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode assembly into distinct functional components: the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the tab bonding body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the tab bonding body to provide both structural support and flexible connection options for achieving various battery shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab bonding body performs multiple functions: it electrically connects the electrode tabs from both electrode units, provides a mounting point for the electrode lead, and enables shape flexibility. This multi-functional design achieves both manufacturing simplicity and shape deformation freedom simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly, in which a degree of freedom in design of a secondary battery or a battery pack significantly increases, and a degree of freedom in shape deformation of a free form battery more increases. The electrode assembly comprises a first electrode unit in which an electrode and a separator are alternately stacked and a second electrode unit in which an electrode and a separator are alternately stacked, the second electrode unit having a size less than that of the first electrode unit and being stacked on the first electrode unit, wherein a tab bonding body manufactured by connecting an electrode tab provided in the first electrode unit to an electrode tab provided in the second electrode unit is disposed within a range of a width of the second electrode unit, and a leading electrode tab to which an electrode lead is connected is disposed on a portion of the first electrode unit.