Battery Cell End Cap Reinforcement for Pressure-Resistant Tab Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery technology faces challenges in improving the service life of battery cells, particularly due to weaknesses in the connection parts between the end cap and the electrode assembly, which can lead to damage under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an end cap with a reinforcing part protruded from the bottom surface of the welding groove, enhancing the strength of the connection part welded with the electrode assembly's tab. This design includes a welding groove recessed from the end cap towards the abutting surface, forming a connection part that is reinforced to withstand pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connection part between the end cap and the electrode assembly is made thinner to reduce material usage and simplify manufacturing, then the manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the strength and pressure resistance of the connection part deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional thin connection part to a three-dimensional structure by adding the welding groove that extends into the end cap. This dimensional change allows the connection part to maintain thin external dimensions while having internal depth for reinforcement, resolving the contradiction between thin design and strength requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The welding groove is nested within the end cap structure, creating a recessed region that houses the connection part. This nesting allows the connection part to be embedded within the end cap's thickness, providing structural support and strength without increasing the overall external dimensions of the end cap
2Loss of substance
If the connection part is made thinner to reduce material consumption, then the material usage is reduced, but the service life and reliability of the battery cell deteriorate due to increased risk of pressure damage
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a welding groove that extends in the depth dimension into the end cap, the patent achieves material efficiency in external dimensions while gaining internal structural volume. This allows the connection part to use less material overall while maintaining or enhancing strength through the three-dimensional geometry of the groove
Solution Approach 2:
The welding groove creates a composite structure where the connection part is integrated with the end cap material in a recessed configuration. This composite arrangement combines the thin connection part with the supporting end cap structure, achieving both material efficiency and enhanced reliability through the synergistic combination of components
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
The reinforced connection part significantly improves the strength and durability of the battery cell, reducing the risk of failure due to pressure damage and effectively extending the service life of the battery cell.
Implementation Method 1
the connection part is configured for being welded with the first tab
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell may comprise: an electrode assembly, a housing and an end cap. The electrode assembly may have a first tab. The housing may have an opening for accommodating the electrode assembly. The end cap may be configured to connect with the housing and cover the opening. The end cap may have an abutting surface and a welding groove, the abutting surface may be configured to abut against the first tab, and the welding groove may be recessed from one side of the end cap away from the electrode assembly towards the abutting surface. The end cap may form a connector between the abutting surface and the bottom surface of the welding groove, and the connector is configured for being welded with the first tab. The end cap is provided with a reinforcing structure, and the reinforcing structure is protruded from the bottom surface.