Electrode Plate Extension Welding for Swelling-Resistant Cell Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacked electrode assemblies in lithium secondary batteries experience swelling and dendrite formation due to repetitive charging and discharging, leading to increased thickness and potential short circuits, as the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are only adhered through lamination without secure coupling.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly incorporates electrode plate extensions of the same polarity that are coupled to each other, either through welding or other methods, to prevent swelling by ensuring firm coupling between the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode plates, even during repeated charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrode plates are only adhered through lamination without welding, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but swelling and dendrite formation occur during repeated charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode plate is divided into a body portion and an extension portion. The extension portion protrudes beyond the separator and is welded to adjacent electrode plates of the same polarity, creating segmented coupling points that prevent swelling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion acts as an intermediary element between the electrode plate body and the adjacent electrode plates. It provides a dedicated welding interface that mediates the mechanical coupling, preventing direct swelling of the main electrode structure while enabling secure attachment.
2Reliability
If electrode plates are securely coupled through welding of extensions, then swelling is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode plate is divided into a body portion and an extension portion. The extension portion protrudes beyond the separator and is welded to adjacent electrode plates of the same polarity, creating segmented coupling points that prevent swelling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of welding the entire electrode plate structure, only the extension portion (a partial element) is welded. This reduces the overall manufacturing complexity while still achieving the essential function of preventing swelling through secure coupling at critical points.
3Device complexity
If electrode plates are only laminated without extensions, then device structure is simpler, but thickness increases due to swelling over time
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode plate is divided into a body portion and an extension portion. The extension portion protrudes beyond the separator and is welded to adjacent electrode plates of the same polarity, creating segmented coupling points that prevent swelling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion is formed and positioned to protrude beyond the separator before the battery is assembled and put into service. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when welding occurs, the electrode plates are pre-positioned to prevent swelling, thereby preventing future thickness increase.
4Reliability
If electrode plates are securely coupled through welding, then dendrite formation is prevented, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding the entire electrode plate structure, only the extension portion (a partial element) is welded. This reduces the overall manufacturing complexity while still achieving the essential function of preventing swelling through secure coupling at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode plate is divided into a body portion and an extension portion. The extension portion protrudes beyond the separator and is welded to adjacent electrode plates of the same polarity, creating segmented coupling points that prevent swelling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 solution effectively suppresses the swelling phenomenon and dendrite formation, preventing thickness increase and short circuits, thereby ensuring stable battery operation by securely coupling the electrode plates.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode assembly incorporates electrode plate extensions of the same polarity that are coupled to each other, either through welding or other methods, to prevent swelling by ensuring firm coupling between the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode plates
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates are stacked so that a separator is interposed between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, wherein each of the electrode plates includes an electrode tab protruding outwards at one side thereof for coupling with an electrode lead, wherein at least one electrode plate of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate extends relatively longer than the separator at one end of the electrode plate where the electrode tab is located to form the electrode plate extension protruding out of the separator, and wherein the electrode plate extensions of the same polarity are coupled to each other.