Electrode Terminal Sealing Structure for Thick Pouch Cell Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thicker electrode terminals in power storage devices face challenges in achieving satisfactory airtightness due to gaps formed during heat-sealing, which can lead to electrolyte leakage.

Innovation Solution

The electrode terminal component features a metal electrode terminal with a heat-seal member made of resin, which surrounds the top, bottom, and opposite side faces of the electrode terminal. A depression or elevation structure with dimensions of 0.1 mm or more is formed on the opposite side faces to enhance adhesion and prevent gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If thicker electrode terminals are used to improve cross-sectional area and performance, then charge/discharge performance and cooling performance are improved, but gaps form during heat-sealing leading to poor airtightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-sectional area of electrode terminalVSAvoidairtightness of electrode terminal part

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a heat-seal member specifically to the electrode terminal component where airtightness is needed, rather than requiring the entire package member to be heat-sealed. This localized sealing approach allows thicker electrode terminals to be used while maintaining airtightness at the critical sealing location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heat-seal member acts as an intermediary component between the electrode terminal and the package member. It provides the heat-sealing function that enables airtight connection without requiring direct heat-sealing of the thicker electrode terminal itself, thus resolving the gap formation issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If thicker electrode terminals are used to increase cross-sectional area, then performance improves, but heat-sealing becomes more difficult due to level differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-sectional area of electrode terminalVSAvoidheat-sealing process difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-seal member serves as a mediator that facilitates the heat-sealing process. It can be heat-sealed to the package member more easily than directly heat-sealing the thicker electrode terminal, thus simplifying the manufacturing process while accommodating thicker terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the sealing approach by introducing a separate heat-seal member with appropriate material properties and thickness, rather than attempting to heat-seal the electrode terminal directly. This parameter change enables successful heat-sealing despite the thicker terminal dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional heat-sealing methods are used with thicker electrode terminals, then manufacturing process remains simple, but gaps form allowing electrolyte leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat-sealing process simplicityVSAvoidelectrolyte leakage through gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-seal member acts as a protective intermediary that prevents electrolyte leakage. It provides a reliable sealing barrier between the electrode terminal and the external environment, eliminating the gap formation problem that would otherwise allow harmful electrolyte leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat-seal member provides beforehand cushioning against potential electrolyte leakage. By establishing the seal in advance during manufacturing, it prevents harmful effects from occurring during operation, even when thicker electrode terminals are used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 ensures high airtightness in the electrode terminal part, preventing electrolyte leakage even with thicker electrode terminals, while maintaining high performance.

Implementation Method 1

the tab films 32 melt and adhere to the electrode terminal 31

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat-sealing: Melting

Implementation Method 2

those two members of the package member are heat-sealed together along their circumferential edges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal adhesion: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12315961B2Power storage device, electric appliance, electrode terminal component, and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode terminal component used in a power storage device including a power storage cell and a package member covering it includes: an electrode terminal made of metal, plate-shaped, and connected to the power storage cell to protrude out of the package member; and a heat-seal member made of resin, having a heat-sealing property with both the package member and the electrode terminal, and formed to surround a predetermined area on the top, bottom, and opposite side faces of the electrode terminal. A depression or elevation is formed in a predetermined area on the opposite side faces of the electrode terminal. The dimension in the electrode width direction of the depression or elevation formed on the opposite side faces of the electrode terminal is 0.1 mm or more.