Fabric Current Collector Electrode for Safe Secondary Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries pose a high explosion risk, are expensive, and pose environmental concerns due to the high cost of lithium metal oxide materials and challenges in waste treatment, necessitating a safer, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
An electrode structure featuring a negative electrode with a fabric-based positive current collector and a metallic positive electrode coupled to its edge, which can be formed in an edge frame or mesh shape, and a method of manufacturing this structure, including insulation and sealing of external connection terminals to prevent short circuits when submerged in an ion-containing solution like seawater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium ion battery is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but explosion risk increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the battery by replacing lithium metal oxide with iron-based oxide materials, fundamentally altering the electrochemical system to eliminate explosion risks while maintaining energy storage functionality through different chemical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive iron-based materials instead of costly lithium metal oxides, using abundant earth resources to create a cost-effective battery system that sacrifices some energy density for dramatically reduced material costs and improved safety
2Quantity of substance
If lithium metal oxide is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive lithium metal oxide with inexpensive iron-based oxide materials that are abundant on earth, dramatically reducing material costs while maintaining functional performance through alternative electrochemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters from lithium-based to iron-based compounds, altering the chemical system to use abundant, low-cost materials while preserving the essential energy storage function through different electrochemical mechanisms
3Volume of moving object
If fabric material is used for positive current collector, then volume is reduced, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining fabric material with metallic positive electrode materials, where the fabric provides flexibility and volume reduction while the metallic components provide structural strength and electrical conductivity, achieving both miniaturization and mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positive current collector into a fabric substrate structure, separating the mechanical support function from the electrical function, allowing the fabric to provide flexibility and compactness while metallic electrodes provide conductivity and structural reinforcement
4Ease of operation
If external connection terminal is exposed, then electrical connection is improved, but short circuit risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sealing material as an intermediary substance between the external connection terminal and the electrolyte environment, creating an insulating barrier that prevents direct electrical contact between terminals while allowing external electrical connection, thus eliminating short circuit risks
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 proposed electrode structure and manufacturing method provide a safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly secondary battery solution with enhanced electronic conductivity and minimized volume, capable of using abundant and inexpensive materials, while preventing short circuits and maximizing reaction areas.
Implementation Method 1
The positive current collector and the positive electrode may be coupled by spot welding
Implementation Method 2
the sealing material may solidified in a state in which the external connection terminal is soaked in the sealing material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode structure, a method of manufacturing the same, and a secondary battery including the same, and the electrode structure may include a negative electrode part; a positive current collector which is formed of a fabric material and surrounds an outer surface of the negative electrode part; and a positive electrode coupled to an edge of the positive current collector.