Multi-Tab Electrode Assembly for Adjustable Battery Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary batteries face challenges in adjusting output amount and minimizing heat generation during repetitive charge and discharge, making them unsuitable for devices requiring high output.

Innovation Solution

The electrode assembly features multiple positive and negative electrodes with varying numbers of tabs, allowing for adjustable output through different tab bundles and lead connections, optimizing resistance and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple electrode tabs are used to increase output, then power increases, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoutputVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is divided into multiple individual electrodes (first positive electrode, first negative electrode, second positive electrode, second negative electrode) instead of using a single large electrode. Each electrode has its own tabs that can be independently connected to electrode leads, allowing the total output to be segmented across multiple connection points. This segmentation distributes the current flow and heat generation across multiple smaller areas rather than concentrating it in one location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the stacking dimension by arranging electrodes in layers (first positive electrode stacked with first negative electrode, second positive electrode stacked with second negative electrode). This vertical stacking allows multiple electrode tabs to be distributed across different heights and positions, enabling better thermal management and heat dissipation in three-dimensional space while maintaining high output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If electrode tabs are joined to electrode leads, then connection resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection resistanceVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides flexible connection configurations where electrode tabs can be selectively joined to electrode leads based on tab height. Different connection schemes can be implemented (e.g., all tabs connected to single lead, or tabs distributed across multiple leads) depending on the specific application requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows optimization of connection resistance while managing structural complexity according to different device needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If battery size is increased to increase capacity, then energy density increases, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large electrode to achieve high capacity, the patent segments the electrode assembly into multiple smaller electrodes stacked together. Each electrode contributes to the total capacity while having smaller individual surface areas for heat generation. The multiple electrode tabs from these segmented electrodes provide distributed connection points that reduce current density and heat concentration, allowing high capacity to be achieved without proportional increase in heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3951970B1Electrode assembly for secondary battery including different shaped electrodes
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3951970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3951970B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, the electrode assembly for a secondary battery including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode alternately stacked in a state in which a separator is interposed therebetween, wherein the positive electrode includes a first positive electrode having a single positive electrode tab and a second positive electrode having two or more positive electrode tabs, and the negative electrode includes a first negative electrode having a single negative electrode tab and a second negative electrode having two or more negative electrode tabs, whereby the output of the electrode assembly is adjustable.