Pin-Shaped Current Collector for Lithium Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium cells with hollow cylinder positive electrodes face challenges in simplifying design and reducing production costs, particularly in making electrical contact with the negative electrode, which often requires complex assembly and is prone to internal short circuits due to dendrite formation.
Innovation Solution
A lithium cell design featuring a hollow cylinder positive electrode with a pin-shaped current collector that connects to a circular cover plate, using an annular insulating sealing element to simplify assembly and reduce parts, and incorporating an insulator element to prevent dendrite formation, comprising a cylindrical housing cup, cover plate, and pin-like current collector with a recessed terminal section, and an insulator element made from non-conductive plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin-like current collector with flange is used for electrical contact with the negative electrode, then electrical contact is achieved, but the assembly becomes complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current collector and sealing element into a single integrated component. The current collector serves dual functions: making electrical contact with the negative electrode and providing sealing by pressing the sealing element against the housing. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it collects current from the negative electrode, provides structural support, and ensures sealing through its integrated sealing element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the cell assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for housing and sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but production costs and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector and sealing element are combined into a single integrated component that is inserted as one piece during assembly. This reduces the number of assembly steps and components while maintaining effective sealing between the housing and the internal cell structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-integrated onto the current collector before assembly, so that the sealing function is already prepared and positioned correctly when the component is inserted into the housing. This eliminates the need for separate sealing operations during final assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional current collectors are used, then electrical contact is made, but the risk of internal short circuits due to dendrite formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating coating on the current collector that acts as an intermediary layer between the conductive current collector and the electrolyte. This coating prevents direct contact between the current collector surface and the electrolyte, thereby suppressing dendrite formation while still allowing efficient electron conduction through the collector.
4Reliability
If more parts are used for assembly, then functional requirements are met, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the current collector and sealing element into a single component reduces the total part count, which directly lowers production costs through fewer manufacturing steps, less inventory management, and simplified assembly processes while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional current collector design eliminates the need for separate components for current collection and sealing, reducing material costs and assembly complexity while ensuring reliable cell performance through integrated functionality.
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 design simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of structural parts required, lowers production costs, and effectively suppresses dendrite formation, thereby reducing the risk of internal short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the ion transport is generally ensured by use of a suitable electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
an electrically insulating, annular sealing element... insulates the cover plate and the housing cup from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium cell includes a housing including a housing cup, a cover plate and an annular insulating sealing element, wherein the housing has an end-side cup base, a circumferential housing casing and a circular opening opposite the housing base and formed by an opening edge. The cover plate has a circumferential edge and closes the circular opening. The cell includes a pin-shaped negative electrode current collector electrically connected to the cover plate. The sealing element is fitted onto the edge of the cover plate. The sealing element insulates the cover plate and the housing cup from one another. The cell can be produced by the components being brought together in two preassembled units combined to form the cell.