Battery Cell End-Face Lithium Replenishment for Uniform Li Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face issues with irreversible lithium ion consumption during the first charge, leading to reduced energy density and shortened service life due to the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film and ongoing lithium loss during use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lithium replenishing apparatus connected to the second end face of the electrode assembly, which also serves as a bottom supporting plate, to uniformly replenish active lithium, thereby enhancing energy density and service life while reducing internal space and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lithium replenishing apparatus is added to replenish active lithium loss, then service life and energy density are improved, but device complexity and internal space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium replenishing apparatus is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as both a lithium replenishing device and a bottom supporting plate for the battery cell. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to provide structural support while simultaneously replenishing active lithium, thereby improving service life without adding separate supporting structures and avoiding increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the lithium replenishing function with the bottom supporting plate function into a single integrated apparatus. By merging these two functions, the design eliminates the need for additional components, thus improving reliability through lithium replenishment while maintaining simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a lithium replenishing apparatus is added to replenish active lithium loss, then service life and energy density are improved, but internal space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium replenishing apparatus serves as both a functional device for lithium replenishment and a structural bottom supporting plate. This dual role allows the system to extend service life through active lithium replenishment while occupying no additional internal space beyond what is already required for structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating the lithium replenishing function with the bottom supporting plate, the patent eliminates the need for separate components. The apparatus occupies the same space that would otherwise be filled by the supporting plate alone, thus extending service life without increasing internal space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If lithium replenishing apparatus is connected to the first end face with tabs, then lithium replenishment occurs, but uniform distribution of lithium to all electrode sheets is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium replenishment effectVSAvoiduniformity of lithium distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of connecting the lithium replenishing apparatus to the traditional first end face where tabs are located, the patent inverts the connection location to the second end face of the electrode assembly. This inverted configuration enables lithium to be replenished at the opposite end, facilitating more uniform distribution of active lithium across all electrode sheets through the electrolyte, thereby improving both replenishment effectiveness and distribution uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If an additional bottom supporting plate is provided, then structural support is improved, but production costs and internal space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium replenishing apparatus is designed to perform both lithium replenishment and structural support functions. By making the apparatus multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for a separate bottom supporting plate, thereby maintaining structural strength while reducing production costs and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural support function with the lithium replenishing function into a single apparatus. This integration means that the same component provides both mechanical strength and electrochemical function, reducing the total number of parts and lowering production costs without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 lithium replenishing apparatus effectively increases energy density and extends battery service life by uniformly replenishing lithium, reducing internal space and production costs, and improving the lithium replenishing effect within the battery cell.

Implementation Method 1

active lithium can be relatively easily diffused into the entire battery cell through the second end face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20240258585A1Battery cell, battery and power consumption apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • US20240258585A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258585A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258585A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a battery, and a power consumption apparatus, which could effectively improve performance of the battery without increasing the internal space of the battery. The battery cell includes: an electrode assembly including a first end face and a second end face opposite to each other, the first end face being provided with tabs; and a lithium replenishing apparatus connected with the second end face.