Insulative Member Protecting Battery Cathode Edges

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries used in implantable medical devices, such as defibrillators and cardioverters, face issues of damage, degradation, and shorting due to the exposure of cathode edges, which reduces their lifespan and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an insulative member molded over the peripheral edge of the cathode, made from materials like polypropylene or polyimide, which extends over the edge to protect it from damage and prevent shorting with the anode, while also facilitating alignment and assembly of battery components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cathode edge is left exposed for easier assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but the cathode edge becomes vulnerable to damage and shorting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidcathode protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulative member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cathode and the assembly environment. This member provides both mechanical protection against damage and electrical insulation against shorting, while its design features (such as open regions or recesses) maintain ease of assembly by allowing straightforward positioning and attachment to the cathode edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an insulative member is added to protect the cathode edge, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode protectionVSAvoidbattery structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulative member is designed as a thin-walled structure that provides adequate protection and insulation without adding significant bulk or complexity. The thin-walled design allows the component to be lightweight while maintaining its protective function, and can be easily molded and attached to the cathode edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the insulative member extends fully around the cathode for maximum protection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge protectionVSAvoidmolding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulative member can be designed as a continuous structure or segmented into multiple sections. The segmented design allows each section to be molded independently using standard molding techniques, reducing manufacturing complexity while still providing comprehensive protection when assembled around the cathode edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulative member may extend partially around the cathode rather than completely encircling it. This partial coverage provides sufficient protection for the most vulnerable areas (such as corners and edges prone to damage) while simplifying the molding process and reducing material requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8691418B2Insulative member on battery cathode

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

This document discusses, among other things, an insulative member that is configured around a cathode, and methods and assemblies incorporation the insulative member. In an example, the insulative members protect the edge of the cathode material from damage, prevents the migration of cathode material into contact with an anode, or prevents a metal substrate in the cathode from shorting against an adjacent anode.