Reinforced Electrode Tab Assembly for Deformation-Resistant Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face issues with electrode tab deformation during manufacturing or safety evaluations, leading to potential short circuits, explosions, and ignitions due to the tabs being folded or destroyed.
Innovation Solution
An electrode tab assembly with a reinforcing member on its side portions to enhance strength, comprising symmetrical first and second reinforcing pieces that surround the tab, increasing its thickness and made of insulating or flexible materials to prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electrode tab is made thin and flexible for easy manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and resistance to deformation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the electrode tab material with a reinforcing member material to create a hybrid structure. The reinforcing member is positioned at the side portion of the electrode tab, forming a composite structure that integrates the flexibility of the thin tab with the strength of the reinforcing material, thereby simultaneously achieving ease of manufacture and enhanced strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating the reinforcing member specifically at the side portion of the electrode tab rather than uniformly throughout the entire tab. This localized reinforcement approach maintains the overall thin and flexible characteristics of the electrode tab while providing targeted strength enhancement where it is most needed to prevent deformation during manufacturing and handling.
2Volume of moving object
If the electrode tab is made thin for compact battery design, then the volume is reduced, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to increased deformation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the reinforcing member specifically at the side portion of the electrode tab where deformation is most likely to occur during manufacturing and handling. This localized reinforcement maintains the overall compact volume of the battery while providing targeted structural support to enhance reliability and prevent deformation without adding significant volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating a reinforcing member with the thin electrode tab structure. This composite approach allows the battery to maintain a compact volume while the reinforced side portion provides enhanced reliability and resistance to deformation, effectively solving the contradiction between compact size and structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If the electrode tab structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent deformation and ensure safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by adding the reinforcing member only at the critical side portion of the electrode tab rather than complicating the entire tab structure. This localized approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while effectively addressing the deformation risk and safety concerns at the specific location where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the simple electrode tab structure with a reinforcing member at the side portion. This composite solution maintains the overall simplicity of the device structure for easy manufacturing while the added reinforcing element provides the necessary protection against deformation and safety hazards without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode tab assembly includes an electrode tab having a width; and a reinforcing member located on at least one side portion of the electrode tab in a width direction to reinforce strength of the side portion of the electrode tab.