Flat Battery Cell Tab Overlap for Low-Resistance Series Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery module technology faces an issue with increased resistance between electrode lead terminals when connecting multiple flat batteries in series.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where each battery cell has thin plate-shaped positive and negative electrode tabs, with these tabs facing each other and overlapping in the thickness direction to reduce resistance when connected in series.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode lead terminals of adjacent flat batteries are connected by an electric conductor, then the batteries can be connected in series, but the resistance between the electrode lead terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positive electrode tab of one battery cell with the negative electrode tab of another battery cell by overlapping them in the thickness direction to form an integrated electrode assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate electric conductor connections, thereby reducing contact resistance while maintaining series connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the positive electrode tab of one battery cell is positioned within the thickness direction of the negative electrode tab of the adjacent battery cell, creating a layered overlapping configuration. This nesting arrangement maximizes contact area and minimizes resistance at the connection interface.
2Productivity
If multiple flat batteries are connected in series using conventional methods, then the battery module can be assembled, but the connecting portion has high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tabs from multiple battery cells are merged into a single integrated assembly through overlapping in the thickness direction, reducing the number of separate connection points and minimizing cumulative resistance across the series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar side-by-side connection to three-dimensional overlapping connection in the thickness direction. This dimensional change allows for increased contact area without increasing the planar footprint, thereby reducing resistance while maintaining compact assembly.
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 design effectively reduces the resistance at the connecting portion of the battery cells, enhancing the efficiency of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
the positive electrode tab of the one battery cell and the negative electrode tab of the other battery cell are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction of the positive and negative electrode tabs and in contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series. Each of the battery cells has a rectangular thin plate shape, and includes a thin plate-shaped positive electrode tab and a thin plate-shaped negative electrode tab, which are provided on one side of the battery cell. Among the battery cells, the side of one battery cell where the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are provided and the side of another battery cell where the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are provided, are arranged so as to face each other. The positive electrode tab of the one battery cell and the negative electrode tab of the other battery cell are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction of the battery cells and in contact with each other.