Battery Cell With Irregular Electrode Assembly For Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell designs struggle to efficiently utilize internal space in devices with non-rectangular structures, leading to reduced capacity and increased thickness when stacked, and complicate electrical connections during design modifications.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell with an electrode assembly featuring a depression on its outer surface, allowing for flexible mounting in various device shapes and sizes, achieved by stacking basic and bored electrode groups with strategically placed openings, enabling the battery cell to conform to curved or protruding structures and optimize internal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are stacked to manufacture a battery pack, then the battery pack can be produced, but the thickness is increased and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly transitions from a conventional flat stacked structure to a three-dimensional irregular structure with protrusions and recesses. This dimensional change allows the battery to utilize space more efficiently in the length and width directions, reducing the need for stacking multiple flat cells to achieve the same capacity, thereby reducing overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple electrode groups with different dimensions and capacities. These segmented groups are arranged in an irregular pattern with some groups having protrusions and others having recesses, allowing for optimized space utilization without requiring additional stacking layers.
2Productivity
If battery cells are stacked to manufacture a battery pack, then the battery pack can be produced, but the capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to a 3D irregular structure with varying electrode group dimensions, the design maximizes the active material volume within the battery envelope. The protrusions and recesses allow electrode groups to be positioned to optimize capacity distribution without requiring additional stacked layers, thereby maintaining or increasing capacity while reducing the need for multiple battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode groups of different sizes and capacities are nested within the battery envelope in an irregular arrangement. Smaller electrode groups are positioned in recess areas while larger groups occupy protrusion areas, creating a nested configuration that maximizes the total active material volume and capacity without increasing the battery's external dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the battery cell structure is modified to fit various device shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the electrical connection becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The irregular electrode assembly design with standardized protrusions and recesses creates a universal mounting interface that can adapt to various device shapes and sizes. The consistent structural pattern across different battery configurations allows for standardized electrical connection methods despite variations in battery geometry, simplifying the overall electrical connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly employs asymmetric protrusions and recesses that are strategically positioned to match specific device mounting requirements. This asymmetric design provides tailored adaptability for different device shapes while maintaining a consistent electrical connection interface, as the asymmetric features are primarily for mechanical mounting rather than electrical connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a battery cell configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly, including positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and separators disposed respectively between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes, is mounted in a battery case, wherein the electrode assembly is provided at one and/or the other of opposite surfaces thereof adjacent to electrode terminals, among outer surfaces thereof, with a depression having an outwardly increasing size.