Folding Protrusions on Secondary Battery Insulating Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

The insulating case in lithium secondary batteries can become dislodged or separated from the can due to excessive elasticity of the electrode assembly, leading to potential short circuits and electrolyte leakage, especially during transportation.

Innovation Solution

The formation of folding protrusions on the insulating case, which are spaced from the bottom and symmetrically positioned on the long sides, allows for stable seating within the can, preventing scratches and separation by compressing against the can's inner side and cap assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insulating case is inserted into the can to prevent short circuits, then electrical insulation is improved, but the insulating case becomes dislodged and separated due to excessive elasticity of the electrode assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidposition stability of insulating case

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating case is segmented with folding protrusions that can independently deform and adapt to the can's inner wall, creating multiple contact points that prevent dislodgement while maintaining electrical insulation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding protrusions provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the insulating case to deform elastically in response to the electrode assembly's expansion and contraction, maintaining stable contact with the can's inner wall throughout battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the thickness of the electrode assembly is increased to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but the top of the can opens causing the insulating case to loosen and separate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidsealing integrity of can

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The folding protrusions change their geometric configuration in response to variations in electrode assembly thickness, allowing the insulating case to maintain proper seating and sealing integrity regardless of the electrode assembly's dimensions or capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the insulating case is inserted into the can to prevent short circuits, then electrical insulation is improved, but the inner side of the can is scratched by the outer side of the insulating case generating burrs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidmechanical damage to can

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The folding protrusions act as flexible elements that can deform and conform to the can's inner surface, preventing rigid contact that would cause scratching and burr formation, while still providing effective electrical insulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8632913B2Secondary battery

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A secondary battery includes a can having an open end and housing an electrode assembly; a cap assembly sealing the open end of the can; and an insulating case located between the electrode assembly and the cap assembly, the insulating case comprising folding protrusions protruding from a peripheral surface of the insulating case and oriented such that a first side of the folding protrusion contacts the insulating case and a second side of the folding protrusion contacts the can.