Electrode Tab Structure for Vibration-Resistant Energy Storage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage devices are prone to damage when subjected to impacts due to vibration of the electrode assembly within the case.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage device incorporates an electrode assembly with a body featuring a flat portion and curved portions, and tabs formed by stacking plates with the same polarity, where at least one tab includes a bent portion and extended portions to enhance strength and absorb movement, and current collectors are joined to these tabs to stabilize the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode assembly is housed in a case, then the energy storage device can be contained and protected, but the electrode assembly may vibrate and be damaged when subjected to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a vibration absorption member between the electrode assembly and the case. This member is positioned in advance to cushion the electrode assembly against vibrations and shocks from external impacts, preventing damage before it occurs. The vibration absorption member deforms under impact forces, absorbing energy and protecting the electrode assembly from direct shock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by inserting a vibration absorption member as a mediator between the electrode assembly and the case. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates vibration energy, reducing the transmission of harmful forces from external impacts to the electrode assembly, thereby preventing damage without directly modifying the electrode assembly structure.
2Reliability
If tabs are made by stacking multiple plates, then electrical connection is improved, but tab strength is reduced making them susceptible to damage during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple plate-like structures to form the tabs. These stacked plates create a composite structure that maintains good electrical connection through the stacking while the collective structure provides enhanced mechanical strength and rigidity, preventing tab damage during vibration and impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing each tab into multiple stacked plates. This segmentation allows the tab to maintain flexibility and electrical conductivity through the layered structure while the distributed plate configuration increases overall structural strength and resistance to deformation under vibration and impact loads.
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 configuration prevents damage to the electrode assembly by absorbing vibrations and ensuring stable joining of tabs and current collectors, thereby reducing the risk of electrode assembly movement and enhancing overall strength.
Implementation Method 1
At least one tab of the plurality of tabs includes a bent portion continuous with the curved portion and a pair of extended portions extended from the bent portion and continuous with the flat portion
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device includes: an electrode assembly formed by winding a plurality of plates; and a case housing the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes: a body including a flat portion and a pair of curved portions sandwiching the flat portion; and a plurality of tabs, each tab formed by stacking a plurality of pieces of plates with the same polarity out of the plurality of plates, and protrude as a pair from each of both end faces of the body in a winding-axis direction. At least one tab of the plurality of tabs includes a bent portion continuous with the curved portion, and a pair of extended portions extended from the bent portion and continuous with the flat portion.