Battery Unit Tab Connection Layout for Higher Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies face challenges in increasing energy density, as the space occupied by the tab connected to the current collection member within the battery housing reduces the available space for the battery cell, thereby limiting energy density.
Innovation Solution
The battery unit design includes a current collection member with foldable portions and a first connection portion that is strategically located on the side facing the end cover assembly, allowing for efficient use of space and reducing the overall thickness, which increases energy density by minimizing the space occupied by the tab within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tab is connected to the current collection member in a conventional manner, then the electrical connection is established, but the space occupied by the tab inside the housing increases, reducing the space for the battery cell body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the first connection portion of the tab from the side facing the battery cell body to the side facing the end cover assembly. This spatial reconfiguration in the thickness direction allows the tab to be positioned in an otherwise unused space between the current collection member and the end cover assembly, thereby increasing the volume available for the battery cell body without compromising electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional tab connection arrangement by placing the connection portion on the opposite side (facing the end cover assembly) rather than on the side facing the battery cell body. This inversion allows the tab to utilize the space between the current collection member and the end cover assembly, effectively reversing the traditional spatial arrangement to achieve better space utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If the tab is positioned to optimize space, then the energy density increases, but the electrical connection between the tab and current collection member becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing foldable portions on the current collection member that can be folded to facilitate the connection of the tab's first connection portion. This preliminary preparation of the foldable portions makes the electrical connection process easier when the tab is positioned on the side facing the end cover assembly, as the foldable portions can be maneuvered into position to enable welding or other connection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the current collection member foldable at specific portions. This flexibility allows the current collection member to adapt its shape during the connection process, making it easier to connect the tab in the optimized position. The foldable portions can be bent or folded as needed to facilitate the electrical connection, and then fixed in the desired configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery unit may include a housing, a battery cell, an end cover assembly, and a current collector. The battery cell may include a body and tabs, where the tab protrudes from an end of the body in a first direction. The housing may have an opening, and the housing may be configured to accommodate the battery cell. The end cover assembly may be configured to cover the opening. In the first direction, the current collector may be located on a side of the body facing the end cover assembly, and the current collector may be configured to connect the tab and the end cover assembly. The tab may include a first connection portion configured to be connected to the current collector, and in the first direction, the first connection portion may be configured to be located on a side of the current collector facing the end cover assembly.