Electrode Coil End-Face Layout for Faster Electrolyte Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of cylindrically wound electrochemical cells is slowed down due to the slow penetration of electrolyte into the electrode coil, as the tabs are rolled or crimped over the end face, creating a nearly sealed surface that hinders rapid electrolyte filling.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical cell design with surface regions free of tabs on the end face, where the current collector has an electrolyte filling opening, allowing quicker electrolyte penetration and filling, and optionally featuring varying tab distances and widths to facilitate efficient distribution without excessive lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tabs are rolled or crimped over the entire end face surface, then electrical connection is improved, but electrolyte penetration speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end face of the electrode coil is designed with heterogeneous structure: regions with tabs provide electrical connection, while tab-free regions provide electrolyte access. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functions to different areas of the same surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The end face surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: tab regions for electrical contact and tab-free regions for electrolyte filling. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of both electrical connectivity and rapid electrolyte penetration.
2Strength
If the end face is almost completely sealed by rolling tabs, then structural integrity is improved, but production speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed with localized opening regions that correspond to tab-free areas on the electrode coil end face. This allows the majority of the end face to remain sealed for structural integrity while providing specific localized access points for rapid electrolyte filling.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electrolyte filling opening is positioned centrally, then distribution symmetry is improved, but lateral movement requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte filling opening is positioned in a tab-free region at a specific radial distance from the central axis, creating an asymmetric but optimized location that minimizes lateral electrolyte travel distance while ensuring proper distribution across the electrode coil.
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 significantly accelerates the electrolyte filling process, enabling rapid and complete impregnation of the electrode coil, potentially under pressure, without the need for extensive sealing or caulking, thus enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electrolyte can penetrate more quickly into the electrode coil at this point
Implementation Method 2
The filling with electrolyte can take place under pressure, possibly in multiple pressure cycles
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell has an electrode coil, including a first and a second electrode, wherein at least one electrode has tabs, of which at least some are bent over at a first end face of the electrode coil and are electrically conductively connected to a current collector, wherein at least one surface region which is free of tabs is provided on the first end face of the electrode coil, and the current collector has an electrolyte filling opening which is arranged in the region of the at least one surface region which is free of tabs.