Flexible Electrode Assembly with Bonded Separator and Binding Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lithium secondary batteries lack flexibility, leading to decreased durability and stability when bent, as the layers within the battery can misalign and cause short circuits due to slippage between the electrode plates and the separator film.

Innovation Solution

A flexible electrode assembly is designed with alternately disposed first and second electrode plates, a separator film bonded to the first electrode plate, and a binding member that rigidly connects at least one of the electrode plates or the separator film, preventing relative-location changes and slippage during bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lithium secondary batteries are bent, then flexibility is improved, but durability and stability decrease due to layer misalignment and slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddurability and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separator film and first electrode plate are bonded together to form an integrated unit, preventing relative slippage between layers during bending. This merging of components ensures they move as a single structure, maintaining alignment and preventing short circuits while preserving flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding member rigidly connects the separator film and electrode plates before any bending occurs, pre-establishing a fixed spatial relationship between components. This preliminary connection prevents misalignment and slippage that would otherwise occur during subsequent bending operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If electrode plates and separator film are rigidly connected, then alignment is maintained during bending, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment maintenanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator film and first electrode plate are bonded together to form an integrated unit, preventing relative slippage between layers during bending. This merging of components ensures they move as a single structure, maintaining alignment and preventing short circuits while preserving flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding member rigidly connects the separator film and electrode plates before any bending occurs, pre-establishing a fixed spatial relationship between components. This preliminary connection prevents misalignment and slippage that would otherwise occur during subsequent bending operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9748597B2Flexible electrode assembly and electrochemical device including the electrode assembly

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode assembly including an electrode structure including a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate which are alternately disposed, and a separator film that is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, wherein a surface of the separator film is bonded to the first electrode plate, and a binding member, which rigidly connects at least one selected from the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, and the separator film.