Secondary Battery Case Integration for Fewer External Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries often require multiple parts and external terminals, increasing production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The secondary battery design eliminates or reduces external terminals by using an insulating gasket between two cases that surround the electrode assembly, ensuring electrical isolation and reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external terminals and multiple parts are used in traditional secondary battery design, then electrical connection and structural stability are ensured, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the external terminal function with the battery case structure. The case itself is designed to provide electrical connection through its conductive properties, eliminating the need for separate external terminal components. This integration reduces part count while maintaining electrical connection reliability through the case's direct contact with electrode tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery case is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment for the electrode assembly, acts as an electrical conductor for current flow, and serves as a mounting structure for seals and other components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external terminals, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional external terminal structure is used, then electrical safety is maintained, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical safety function with the existing case structure rather than adding separate terminal components. The conductive case material and its direct connection to electrode tabs provide inherent electrical safety, eliminating the need for additional safety components while reducing production costs through part consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure itself provides the electrical safety function that would traditionally require separate external terminals. The case's conductive properties and structural design inherently ensure safe electrical operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional safety components.
3Reliability
If insulating gasket is added to block electrical connection between cases, then electrical isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating gasket serves as an intermediary component between the conductive cases, providing electrical isolation where needed. This single mediator component achieves the electrical isolation function without requiring complex insulation systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating gasket is strategically placed only at specific locations where electrical isolation is required between cases, rather than insulating the entire case structure. This localized approach provides necessary electrical isolation while minimizing the addition of complex components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed is a secondary battery capable of reducing and/or eliminating an external terminal structure, thereby reducing the number of parts and production costs thereof. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, a first case mounted in a shape surrounding at least one surface of the electrode assembly and electrically connected to the first electrode plate, a second case mounted in a shape surrounding at least the opposite surface of the electrode assembly and electrically connected to the second electrode plate, and an insulating gasket located between the first case and the second case and made of an insulative material to block electrical connection between the first case and the second case.