Insulating Sleeve Isolates Tab Connection Regions in Wound Electrode Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical apparatuses face reliability issues due to potential short circuits caused by contact between the tab and the housing, leading to reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical apparatus with a wound electrode assembly and an insulating sleeve that isolates the connection regions of the tab from the housing, using an integrally connected insulating sleeve to prevent short circuits and reduce mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode assembly is allowed to move within the housing during mechanical abuse, then the electrochemical apparatus can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, but the tab may contact the housing causing short circuits and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the tab and the housing. The sleeve includes a first region covering the connection region and a second region filling the space between the tab and housing, preventing direct contact while maintaining electrical isolation and mechanical protection
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve is designed as a flexible protective structure that can accommodate movement of the electrode assembly during mechanical abuse while maintaining its insulating function. The sleeve's flexible design allows it to deform with tab movement without breaking electrical isolation
2Reliability
If an insulating sleeve is added to prevent short circuits and mechanical damage, then reliability and service life are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve integrates multiple functions into a single component: electrical insulation (first region), mechanical protection (second region), and structural support. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulating pads and adhesive coatings, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If the insulating sleeve covers the entire tab structure, then short circuit prevention is maximized, but the energy density of the electrochemical apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is designed with differentiated regions: the first region covers only the connection region where short circuits are most likely, and the second region fills only the necessary space between the tab and housing. This localized insulation approach provides adequate protection while minimizing the volume occupied by non-active materials, preserving energy density
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochemical apparatus includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and an insulating sleeve. The electrode assembly is a wound structure, where a first electrode plate of the electrode assembly includes a current collector and a tab. The current collector includes a first side and a second side oppositely disposed in a first direction. The tab includes a first connection region connected to the first side and a second connection region connected to the first connection region. The electrode assembly includes a first end face and a second end face oppositely disposed in the first direction, where the second connection region forms the first end face. The insulating sleeve includes a first region and a second region integrally connected. The first region covers the first connection region, and the second region is disposed on the second connection region and has a first opening. The electrode assembly includes a first portion and a second portion connected in a second direction, where the first portion includes the first connection region, and the second portion is separated from the insulating sleeve. A width of the first portion is less than a width of the second portion. An electronic apparatus is further provided. This application can improve the reliability and service life of the electrochemical apparatus.