Multi-Terminal Secondary Battery Structure for Swelling and Space Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional secondary batteries with a single cell and pair of terminals face issues such as increased volume and space occupancy due to separate members for each terminal, leading to energy capacity loss, higher electrical resistance, and potential swelling accumulation between cells.

Innovation Solution

The secondary battery design incorporates a case with multiple independent spaces defined by partition walls, each accommodating a separate electrode assembly, and a cap assembly with individually connected terminals and outlets, allowing for a common or individual cap plate bonding to electrode assemblies, reducing terminal distance and accommodating swelling within the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate members for each terminal are used in conventional secondary batteries, then each terminal can be independently connected, but the volume and space occupancy increase leading to energy capacity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal connectionVSAvoidbattery volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple terminal connections into a single integrated cap assembly structure. The cap assembly includes a common body that houses multiple terminals (positive and negative) and connects to a single electrode assembly, eliminating the need for separate cap members for each terminal. This integration reduces the overall battery volume while maintaining independent terminal functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural enclosure for the electrode assembly, houses multiple terminals for electrical connection, incorporates venting mechanisms for gas release, and provides sealing functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing volume occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate members for each terminal are used in conventional secondary batteries, then each terminal can be independently connected, but electrical resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal connectionVSAvoidelectrical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap assembly integrates multiple terminal connections through a common structural body, creating shorter and more direct electrical pathways. The terminals are positioned closer together and connected through shared conductive elements within the cap assembly, reducing the overall resistance compared to separate distributed terminal connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode assemblies are placed in separate cells, then each cell can be independently managed, but swelling accumulation occurs between cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell independenceVSAvoidswelling accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode assemblies into a single integrated cell structure with a common cap assembly and shared electrolyte environment. This merging allows the assemblies to share mechanical stress and swelling, preventing accumulation while maintaining electrical independence through separate terminal connections within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode assemblies are accommodated in separate cells, then each cell can be independently managed, but space occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell independenceVSAvoidspace occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple electrode assemblies into a single cell with shared components (cap assembly, electrolyte, housing), dramatically reducing space occupancy. The assemblies are arranged in series or parallel configurations within the unified cell, eliminating redundant structural elements and reducing overall volume by a factor equal to the number of assemblies combined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces energy capacity loss, decreases electrical resistance, and effectively manages cell swelling by allowing compact module formation and improved space utilization in applications like electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The cap plate of the cap assembly may be welded to the case to seal the plurality of independent spaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20260045657A1Secondary battery having one-cell multi-terminal structure and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A secondary battery, the secondary battery including a case including a plurality of independent spaces, a plurality of electrode assemblies, each of which is separately accommodated in one of the plurality of independent spaces, and a cap assembly including a cap plate, the cap plate being bonded to each of the plurality of electrode assemblies, wherein the cap assembly includes a plurality of terminals attached to the cap plate, the plurality of terminals electrically connected to the plurality electrode assemblies.