Electrode Assembly Separator Sealing Against Vibration Short Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries are prone to short-circuiting due to external impacts, which compromises their stability.
Innovation Solution
A separator with alternating insertion portions is used, bonded by a sealing portion that connects opposite surfaces or edges of the electrodes, preventing positional changes caused by vibrations, and sealed using thermal welding, ultrasonic wave welding, laser bonding, or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional stacked electrode assembly is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the battery deteriorates in stability due to short circuit caused by electrode position changes under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple insertion portions (first, second, third, and fourth insertion portions) that are alternately formed in different directions. This segmentation allows each electrode to be independently positioned and secured, preventing position changes under vibration while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the separator are given different functions: some regions have insertion portions for electrode placement, while other regions have sealing portions for bonding. This local differentiation ensures that electrodes are securely positioned where needed while maintaining structural stability through targeted sealing.
2Reliability
If electrodes are loosely positioned in the separator, then the manufacturing process is simple, but short circuit occurs due to electrode position changes under external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is pre-formed with insertion portions and sealing portions before electrode assembly. The insertion portions are prepared in advance to receive electrodes, and the sealing portions are positioned to bond with electrodes during assembly, ensuring secure positioning without complex post-assembly adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator acts as an intermediary structure between electrodes, providing both positioning (through insertion portions) and securing (through sealing portions). This intermediary structure simplifies assembly by integrating multiple functions into a single component that guides and secures electrodes during the manufacturing process.
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
The solution effectively prevents short circuits and enhances the stability of rechargeable batteries by securely positioning electrodes within the separator, even under external vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing portions may bond the separator by using at least one of thermal welding, ultrasonic wave welding, laser bonding, and an adhesive.
Implementation Method 2
The sealing portions may bond the separator by using at least one of thermal welding, ultrasonic wave welding, laser bonding, and an adhesive.
Implementation Method 3
The sealing portions may bond the separator by using at least one of thermal welding, ultrasonic wave welding, laser bonding, and an adhesive.
Implementation Method 4
The sealing portions may bond the separator by using at least one of thermal welding, ultrasonic wave welding, laser bonding, and an adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery, an electrode assembly, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method are disclosed. The electrode assembly includes: a separator configured to include a first insertion portion formed in a first direction and a second insertion portion formed in a second direction, which are alternatively stacked; a first electrode inserted into the first insertion portion; a second electrode inserted into the second insertion portion while the separator is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a sealing portion configured to bond opposite surfaces of the separator into which the first electrode and the second electrode are inserted with the separator interposed therebetween; and a lead tab configured to include a first current collecting tab connected to the first electrode and a second current collecting tab connected to the second electrode.