Electrode Tab Structure for Conductive Composite Battery Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of composite substrates in secondary batteries, where a metal layer is replaced with an insulating layer, results in electrical non-conductivity due to the presence of the insulating layer, hindering effective electrical conduction between composite substrates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrode tab structure with uncoated regions featuring insulating and metal layers, conductive layers, and a conductive strip member that surrounds and is electrically connected to these layers, facilitating electrical conduction through protrusions extending beyond the uncoated region sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If an insulating layer is introduced to replace part of the metal layer in the electrode substrate, then weight is reduced, but electrical conductivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode substrate is segmented into multiple uncoated regions stacked in the vertical direction, with conductive layers positioned between adjacent uncoated regions. This segmentation allows the insulating layer to be present in each segment while maintaining electrical conductivity through the conductive layers that bridge the segments, thus reducing overall weight while preserving conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive layers are introduced as intermediary elements between the uncoated regions separated by insulating layers. These conductive layers act as mediators that restore electrical conductivity across the insulating barrier, enabling current flow between stacked uncoated regions while allowing the insulating layers to reduce the metal content and weight of the substrate.
2Reliability
If multiple uncoated regions are stacked to improve electrical conduction, then conductivity is enhanced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple uncoated regions are merged into a single integrated electrode tab structure by stacking them vertically and connecting them through conductive layers. The conductive strip member wraps around all stacked uncoated regions, unifying them into one functional unit. This merging approach enhances electrical conduction while avoiding the complexity of separate connection structures for each uncoated region.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the stacked uncoated regions, establishes electrical connections between all regions through the conductive layers, and acts as a current collector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby enhancing conductivity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 structure enables efficient electrical conduction between composite substrates, enhancing the performance and stability of secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer disposed between each two adjacent uncoated regions of the uncoated regions
Implementation Method 2
the conductive layer includes a protrusion extending beyond a side surface of an adjacent uncoated region, with the protrusion contacting the conductive strip member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode tab includes uncoated regions stacked in a vertical direction, each of the multiple uncoated regions including an insulating layer and a metal layer disposed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the insulating layer. A conductive layer is disposed between each two adjacent uncoated regions of the multiple uncoated regions, and a conductive strip member that surrounds the stacked uncoated regions and the conductive layer. The conductive strip member is electrically connected to the conductive layer.