Multi-Layer Current Collector Layout for Safer High-Current Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current collector in secondary batteries, with a multi-layer structure separated by an insulating substrate, impedes current convergence, affecting current passing capability and safety performance.
Innovation Solution
A current collector design with a first and second conductive layer on an insulating substrate, featuring uncoated regions for connecting conductive members and an adapting sheet to converge currents, reducing thickness and risk of short circuits while enhancing current passing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer current collector structure with insulating substrate is used, then safety performance is improved, but current passing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into multiple conductive layers (first conductive layer and second conductive layer) separated by an insulating substrate. Each conductive layer can be independently designed and optimized, allowing current to flow through multiple parallel paths while maintaining electrical insulation between layers, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and current passing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-layer structure that adds the thickness dimension to the traditional planar current collector. By stacking conductive layers in the thickness direction with insulating substrate in between, the current can pass through multiple layers simultaneously, increasing the effective current passing area without compromising safety through the insulating barrier
2Reliability
If conductive layer thickness is reduced, then short circuit risk is reduced, but current passing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is segmented into multiple thin conductive layers separated by insulating substrate. While each individual layer is thin (reducing short circuit risk), the combined effect of multiple layers provides sufficient current passing capability through parallel current paths
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector uses a composite structure combining thin conductive layers with insulating substrate. This composite design allows each conductive layer to be thin enough to minimize short circuit risk while the multi-layer composite structure collectively provides adequate current passing capability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If uncoated region size is increased, then current-passing area is increased, but electrode member structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is segmented into coated regions (with active material) and uncoated regions (without active material). The uncoated regions serve as current collection areas, and this segmentation allows for optimized current distribution without requiring complex additional structures
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoated regions of the conductive layers serve multiple functions: they provide current collection paths, maintain structural integrity, and facilitate connection to current collectors. This multi-functionality increases current-passing area without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery and an electrode member thereof, a battery module, and a related apparatus are provided. The electrode member includes a current collector, an active material layer, an adapting sheet, and an electrode lead. The current collector includes an insulating substrate, a first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer each include a coated region and an uncoated region, the coated region is coated with an active material layer, and the uncoated region is not coated with an active material layer, a size of the current collector in a length direction is larger than that in a width direction, and the uncoated region is located on a side of the coated region in a length direction. The adapting sheet includes a first conductive member and a second conductive member.