Prismatic Cell Tapered Electrode Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prismatic cells face difficulties in inserting flat electrode units into cell cases due to interference and risk of wrinkling or tearing of the outer covering, which can lead to insulation loss and internal shorts.
Innovation Solution
A prismatic cell design featuring a flat electrode unit with tapered ends and a constant thickness center portion, housed within a corresponding flat, box-like outer covering, allows easy insertion into a cell case without interference, maintaining insulation and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer covering is made as a box with corners to match the electrode unit shape, then the insulation between electrode unit and cell case is improved, but the insertion into the cell case becomes difficult due to corner interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the corners of the outer covering. Instead of sharp rectangular corners that interfere with the cell case, the corners are made rounded (R-shape), allowing smooth insertion while maintaining the box-like overall shape for proper insulation and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric properties to different parts of the outer covering. The center portions maintain straight edges for structural integrity, while only the corner portions are rounded to enable smooth insertion. This local modification resolves the contradiction between maintaining box shape for insulation and enabling easy insertion.
2Strength
If the outer covering is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then the physical strength is improved, but the risk of wrinkling, bending, or tearing during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By rounding the corners of the outer covering, the patent eliminates stress concentration points that would occur at sharp corners during insertion. The curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly, preventing wrinkling, bending, or tearing while maintaining the rigid structure needed for strength and insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded corner design acts as a preventive measure before insertion occurs. By pre-shaping the corners to be rounded rather than sharp, the outer covering is prepared in advance to withstand insertion forces without deforming, thus cushioning against potential damage before it can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the outer covering is made flexible to prevent wrinkling and deformation during insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the insulating function and structural strength may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corner geometry provides a balance between flexibility and rigidity. The curved shape allows the outer covering to conform smoothly during insertion without sharp angles that would cause deformation, while the overall rigid box structure maintains insulating function and structural strength. The curvature enables ease of insertion without requiring the material to be overly flexible.
Data Source
AI summary
This cell comprises an electrode unit, a cell case in which the electrode unit is housed, and an insulated outer covering located between the electrode unit and the cell case. The electrode unit is housed, from an opening formed at an upper end of the cell case, in the cell case in a lateral direction in which a positive electrode collection component and a negative electrode collection component are disposed along from the upper end to the bottom at both ends of a wide face of the cell case, and is disposed inside the outer covering, to constitute an electrode insertion unit along with the outer covering. Here, the thickness (Lla) of the electrode insertion unit at both ends in the lateral direction steadily decreases from the upper end toward the bottom of the cell case.