Cylindrical Battery Terminal Layout With Same-End Electrode Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cylindrical secondary battery connection structure is complex due to opposite positions of positive and negative electrode terminals, requiring multiple components for electrical connection and insulation, which complicates the assembly and increases electrical resistance.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design where both electrode terminals are aligned in the same direction, utilizing a conductive washer and insulative washer for electrical connection, allowing for a conductive washer with variable thickness and material to ensure low electrical resistance and high energy density, and a fixing member to stabilize the conductive washer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positive and negative electrode terminals are positioned at opposite positions in cylindrical secondary battery, then electrical connection can be established, but electrical connection structure becomes complex and requires multiple components for insulation and waterproofing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectrical connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positive and negative electrode terminals to the same end face of the cylindrical battery. The current collector extends from the same end face, with the positive electrode tab and negative electrode tab both accessible at the top end. This eliminates the need for separate insulation components at both ends, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The top cap structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for both positive and negative terminals, maintains sealing through the gasket, and supports the current collector structure. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed for insulation and waterproofing that would be required in the opposite terminal configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If opposite positions of electrode terminals are used, then electrical connection is possible, but number of components for insulation and waterproofing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning both electrode terminals at the same end face, the patent reduces the total number of insulation and waterproofing components. Instead of needing separate insulation barriers at both the top and bottom ends, the design consolidates these functions at the top end only, where both positive and negative connections are accessed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional electrical connection structure is used, then batteries can be connected in series, but electrical resistance increases and energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectrical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector is designed with optimized local properties: it extends sufficiently from the end face to provide low-resistance electrical connection, while its thickness and material composition are tailored to minimize electrical resistance. The conductive adhesive layer also provides optimal conductivity for bonding the current collector to the battery can, reducing overall electrical resistance in the connection path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If conventional electrical connection structure is used, then batteries can be connected, but assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple assembly steps into one: the current collector is attached to the electrode assembly, and simultaneously, the top cap with integrated gasket and terminal structure is assembled. This unified approach simplifies the assembly process compared to separately installing insulation components, waterproofing elements, and electrical connections at opposite ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230395956A1Secondary battery, secondary battery manufacturing method, battery pack and vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab, a battery can electrically connected to the second electrode tab and having an opening portion configured to accommodate the electrode assembly, a top cap configured to cover the opening portion of the battery can and electrically connected to the first electrode tab, a gasket provided between the battery can and the top cap, a conductive washer electrically connected to the battery can and configured to adjoin at least a part of a peripheral portion of the opening portion, an insulative washer provided between the top cap and the conductive washer and configured to electrically insulate the top cap and the conductive washer, and a fixing member provided between the conductive washer and the insulative washer.