Electrode Assembly with Distinct Outer Tab for Winding End Point Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately aligning and detecting the winding end point of electrode tabs in secondary batteries with protruding structures is challenging, making it difficult to stack them correctly without missing each other.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features a first electrode with a coated portion and protruding tabs, where the outermost tab is distinct in number and spacing from the inner tabs, allowing for easy detection of the winding end point through the unique arrangement and connection of tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrode tabs are arranged with uniform structure, then manufacturing is simple, but detection of winding end point becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the outermost electrode tab structurally different from the inner tabs. Specifically, the outermost tab has a different number of protrusions (e.g., one protrusion) compared to the inner tabs (e.g., two protrusions each). This asymmetric design creates a detectable feature at the winding end point while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for the overall tab structure.
2Area of stationary object
If electrode tabs are closely spaced, then space utilization is improved, but alignment precision during stacking becomes harder to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the distinctive outermost tab as an intermediary reference feature during the stacking process. This tab, with its unique structure (different number of protrusions), serves as a mediator that facilitates precise alignment between electrode assemblies. The distinctive feature acts as a visual or mechanical guide that enables accurate positioning even when tabs are closely spaced, thereby maintaining both space utilization and alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly and a rechargeable battery having electrode tab are disclosed. In one aspect, the electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode which are wound with a separator placed therebetween The first electrode includes a first coated portion coated with an active material and a plurality of first electrode tabs T1−Tn protruding outwardly from the first coated portion, wherein n is a natural number greater than 1. The first electrode, when spread in a plane form, includes first to nth portions on which the first electrode tabs T1−Tn are respectively formed, wherein the first and nth portions of the first electrode respectively define the innermost and outermost portions thereof. Each of the first electrode tabs T1−Tn includes at least one tab, and wherein the number of the first electrode tab Tn is different from the number of each of the first electrode tabs T1−Tn−1.