Lithium Electrode Tab Cooling for Stable Ultrasonic Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal electrodes in next-generation batteries face issues of low mechanical strength, leading to deformation, poor coupling strength with lead tabs, and sticking during manufacturing processes, particularly in welding, which affects manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for manufacturing electrode assemblies that involve cooling and hardening the lithium electrode tab, using a cooling apparatus with coolant flow paths, followed by ultrasonic welding to couple the tab with a lead tab, ensuring mechanical stiffness and preventing sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium metal is used as a negative electrode without a metal current collector, then battery energy density is improved, but mechanical strength decreases leading to deformation and sticking issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the lithium metal during the welding process. By maintaining the lithium metal at a temperature below a specific threshold (e.g., room temperature or lower), the material properties change to provide sufficient mechanical strength and prevent sticking, while still achieving the desired coupling between electrode tab and lead tab
2Area of stationary object
If lithium metal electrode tab is pressed and spread during welding process, then coupling area is increased, but coupling strength decreases and sticking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as a controlling parameter to prevent the lithium metal from deforming excessively during welding. By maintaining appropriate temperature conditions, the lithium metal retains its structural integrity while still achieving adequate contact area for coupling, thus preventing both insufficient coupling and sticking issues
3Strength
If cooling apparatus with press parts is used to cool and press electrode tab, then mechanical stiffness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function and pressing function into a single integrated cooling apparatus. The press parts are incorporated directly into the cooling device, allowing simultaneous cooling and pressing of the lithium metal electrode tab. This reduces the number of separate devices needed while achieving the desired mechanical stiffness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances coupling quality and mechanical stiffness, preventing lithium sticking and improving manufacturing efficiency by ensuring strong and stable connections between electrode and lead tabs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling step, in which the electrode tab is cooled
Implementation Method 2
the electrode tab may be cooled in a state pressed by a cooling apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a connecting step, in which the cooled electrode tab and a lead tab are coupled to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method for manufacturing electrode assembly, the method comprising: a preparation step of aligning electrode tabs of one or more first electrode plates; a cooling step of cooling the electrode tabs; and a connecting step of coupling the cooled electrode tabs and lead tabs to each other.