Battery Cell End-Cap Layout for Same-Side Opposite-Polarity Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery cell designs occupy space with tabs of opposite polarities at both ends of the body portion, reducing energy density due to the need for separate connections to the housing and electrode terminal.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design where the first and second tabs of opposite polarities are located on the same side of the body portion, with the electrode terminal featuring a recess and connecting portion that allows for direct electrical connection to the end cap and tab without additional components, optimizing space usage within the cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tabs of opposite polarities are located at both ends of the body portion, then electrical connection is achieved, but space is occupied reducing energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the electrode terminal and end cap by integrating the connecting portion directly into the end cap structure. The first connecting portion forms an integral part of the end cap, eliminating the need for separate current collection components and reducing space occupation while maintaining reliable electrical connection between tabs of opposite polarities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions both tabs on the same side of the body portion rather than at opposite ends, changing the spatial arrangement from one-dimensional (opposite ends) to a two-dimensional configuration (same side). This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization within the battery cell while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If additional current collection components are used for electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode terminal is merged with the end cap by forming the connecting portion as an integral part of the end cap structure. This integration eliminates additional current collection components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end cap is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the sealing component for the battery cell and simultaneously functions as the current collection component through its integrated connecting portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240178531A1Battery cell, battery, electrical device, and method and equipment for manufacturing battery cell
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • US20240178531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178531A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and method and equipment for manufacturing the battery cell are provided. The battery cell includes a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, and an electrode terminal. An opening is created on the housing. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing. The electrode assembly includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. The end cap is configured to fit and cover the opening and be electrically connected to the first tab. The electrode terminal is dielectrically connected to the end cap. The electrode terminal includes a first recess. The electrode terminal includes a first connecting portion. In a thickness direction of the end cap, the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab.