Electrode Terminal Fixing Structure for Thermal Shock Deformation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical storage devices face issues with deformation of electrode terminals during thermal shock tests due to rapid temperature changes, which are not adequately addressed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The electrical storage device incorporates an electrode terminal composed of a first material, fixed to a fixing member made of a second material, with specific material properties and dimensions that satisfy the condition \( h imes T^2 imes \alpha_1 / \alpha_2 \div L_0 \geq 0.222, where \( h \) is Vickers hardness, \( T \) is thickness, \( \alpha_1 \) and \( \alpha_2 \) are linear expansion coefficients, and \( L_0 \) is the fixed length, to enhance deformation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrode terminal is fixed directly to the resin member without a fixing member, then the structure is simple, but the electrode terminal deforms under thermal shock due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the resin member (first material) with a fixing member made of a different material (second material) that has suitable mechanical properties and thermal expansion characteristics. This composite structure allows the electrode terminal to be securely fixed while accommodating thermal expansion differences, preventing deformation during thermal shock tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member acts as an intermediary between the resin member and the electrode terminal. It mediates the connection by providing adequate mechanical support and thermal expansion accommodation, preventing direct stress transmission that would cause terminal deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the electrode terminal is made thicker to resist deformation, then deformation resistance improves, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into two parts: the resin member provides sealing and basic support, while the dedicated fixing member provides mechanical reinforcement. This segmentation allows the electrode terminal itself to remain thin without compromising deformation resistance, as the fixing member bears the mechanical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary mechanical support for deformation resistance, allowing the electrode terminal to maintain its original thin dimensions while still achieving adequate deformation resistance through the combined structure.
3Reliability
If a fixing member is added to prevent terminal deformation, then deformation resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is constructed from composite materials or a single material with optimized properties that combine adequate strength, flexibility for thermal expansion, and ease of integration with the resin member. This allows the fixing member to provide necessary support while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and avoiding excessive 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 configuration improves the electrode terminal's resistance to deformation under temperature changes, enhancing the device's reliability in thermal shock tests.
Implementation Method 1
a linear expansion coefficient of the first material is designated as α1, a linear expansion coefficient of the second material is designated as α2
Data Source
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AI summary
A power storage device comprising an electrode body, an exterior body, and an electrode terminal. The exterior body seals the electrode body. The electrode terminal has one end part and another end part arranged along a first direction, the one end part being connected to the electrode body, the other end part projecting to outside the exterior body, and the electrode terminal being composed of a first material. The exterior body has a fixing member that is fixed to the electrode terminal along a second direction intersecting the first direction between the one end part and the other end part of the electrode terminal, the fixing member being composed of a second material that is different from the first material. The relationship (h × T)2 × (α1/α2) ÷ L0 ≥ 0.222 is satisfied, where h (HV) is the Vickers hardness of the first material, T (mm) is the thickness of the electrode terminal along a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, α1 is the linear expansion coefficient of the first material, α2 is the linear expansion coefficient of the second material, and L0 (mm) is the length of the electrode terminal fixed to the fixing member along the second direction.