Electrode Tab Arrangement for Battery Cell Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electrode tabs in battery assemblies leads to deteriorated connective properties and enlarged electrode terminals, causing energy inefficiencies and potential defects such as burning or separation during connection, especially in thick electrode assemblies with many stacks.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly is designed with electrode tabs of varying widths and arrangements where tabs of the same polarity are connected while avoiding overlap on the same plane, using methods like ultrasonic, laser, or resistance welding, to reduce thickness and enhance connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of electrode tabs is increased to provide higher capacitance, then the battery capacity is improved, but the thickness of electrode tab stacks increases leading to deteriorated connective properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of electrode tabs to a three-dimensional arrangement where tabs are positioned at different heights and depths. This dimensional change allows multiple tabs to be connected without stacking them vertically, thereby maintaining connection quality while accommodating increased tab quantities for higher battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested connection structure where electrode tabs are arranged in overlapping layers with some tabs positioned in front of others. This nesting approach allows multiple tabs to share connection spaces without increasing overall stack thickness, resolving the contradiction between quantity and connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If all electrode tabs are arranged in common locations on the same plane to simplify connection, then the connection process is easier, but the thickness of electrode tab stacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth positioning in addition to planar arrangement, creating a three-dimensional tab configuration. This allows tabs to be distributed across multiple depth levels, reducing the thickness required for connecting multiple tabs while maintaining operational simplicity through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode tab connection space into multiple segments or layers, with tabs grouped by depth position. This segmentation allows the connection process to be simplified within each layer while the overall thickness is reduced through the distributed layered structure.
3Reliability
If excessive energy is used to connect a large number of electrode tabs, then the connection is more reliable, but the electrode tab may be burned or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode tab connection process into multiple stages or groups, connecting tabs in sequential layers rather than applying excessive energy to all tabs simultaneously. This segmentation distributes the connection energy, ensuring reliable connections without causing burning or deformation of individual tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies connection energy selectively and partially to different tab groups rather than uniformly to all tabs. This partial action approach ensures each tab receives appropriate energy for reliable connection without excessive energy that would cause damage.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of electrode tabs is increased, then the capacitance is higher, but the size of electrode terminals must be increased which spoils designed battery cell shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space for electrode tab arrangement, allowing increased capacitance through additional tabs positioned at different depths and heights. This spatial utilization increases terminal capacity without expanding the external footprint, thereby preserving the designed battery cell shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests electrode tabs within the existing terminal structure using overlapping and layered arrangements. This nesting allows more tabs to be accommodated within the same terminal boundary, increasing capacitance without requiring larger terminal sizes that would alter the battery cell's designed shape.
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 approach improves the connectivity between electrode tabs, prevents defects, and allows for more efficient energy transfer while maintaining the designed shape and size of battery cells, even with a large number of electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
using methods like ultrasonic, laser, or resistance welding
Implementation Method 2
using methods like ultrasonic, laser, or resistance welding
Implementation Method 3
using methods like ultrasonic, laser, or resistance welding
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrode assembly includes an electrode stack including at least one anode, at least one cathode, and at least one separation film and a plurality of cathode tabs and a plurality of anode tabs for electrically connecting the electrode stack. In this case, the electrode tabs are arranged to allow the electrode tabs having the same polarity to be electrically connected to one another while a portion of the electrode tabs having the same polarity are arranged so as not to overlap one another on the same plane.