Parallel Electrode Assemblies With Intermediate Tabs for Battery Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to improve the energy density and reduce internal resistance in battery cells while maintaining performance, as larger cell sizes increase internal resistance and heat generation due to longer conduction paths, affecting the efficiency of charging and discharging processes.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell design includes a housing with an electrode unit comprising two electrode assemblies arranged in parallel, where the tabs are located between the bodies, and a first electrode terminal is connected to both tabs to shorten the conduction path, reduce internal resistance, and enhance energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the battery cell size is increased to improve energy density, then the energy density is improved, but the internal resistance increases due to longer conduction paths
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple electrode pieces (first electrode piece, second electrode piece, etc.) arranged in parallel. Each electrode piece has its own tabs that are positioned between the electrode pieces, creating multiple shorter conduction paths instead of one long path, thereby reducing internal resistance while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are positioned in a spatial arrangement between the electrode pieces rather than at the ends, creating a three-dimensional conduction path optimization. This dimensional reconfiguration shortens the current path length without reducing the overall electrode area, resolving the contradiction between energy density and internal resistance
2Quantity of substance
If the battery cell size is increased to improve energy density, then the energy density is improved, but heat generation increases due to longer conduction paths
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrode assembly into multiple pieces with intermediate tabs, the conduction path length is reduced, which directly reduces resistive heat generation (I²R losses). This allows high energy density to be achieved without excessive heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of long conduction paths (heat generation) into a benefit by strategically positioning tabs to create optimal conduction paths. The intermediate tabs serve as additional current collection points that reduce path length and thereby reduce heat generation while maintaining high energy density
3Device complexity
If the tabs are positioned at the ends of the electrode assembly, then the structure is simple, but the conduction path is long causing high internal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning tabs at the conventional end locations, the patent inverts the approach by positioning tabs between the electrode pieces. This unconventional positioning shortens the conduction path and reduces internal resistance, while the overall structural complexity remains manageable through systematic arrangement
4Reliability
If the conduction path is shortened to reduce internal resistance, then the internal resistance is reduced, but the electrode assembly design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple pieces with standardized tab positioning between them. This segmentation approach shortens conduction paths and reduces internal resistance while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters such as tab position, electrode piece dimensions, and spacing to achieve short conduction paths. By carefully controlling these parameters, internal resistance is reduced while the overall design remains manufacturable and not excessively complex
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 configuration reduces internal resistance, minimizes heat generation, and improves the charging and discharging performance of the battery cell, allowing for higher energy density and efficient energy supply in various devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode terminal disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the first tab and the second tab to export electric energies of the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly
Implementation Method 2
reduces internal resistance, minimizes heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell includes: a housing; an electrode unit accommodated in the housing and including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly which are disposed along a first direction, wherein the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly are arranged in parallel, the first electrode assembly includes a first body and a first tab, and the second electrode assembly includes a second body and a second tab, and wherein a polarity of the first tab is the same as a polarity of the second tab, and at least a part of the first tab and at least a part of the second tab are located between the first body and the second body; and a first electrode terminal disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the first tab and the second tab to export electric energies of the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly.