Segment Membrane Structure for Compact Battery Cell Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting battery cells in series and/or parallel result in increased volume and mass of package materials and connectors, reducing the volume and mass energy density of the battery system, and affecting the endurance time of electric appliances.

Innovation Solution

A segment membrane with a multilayer structure, comprising a conductive layer and insulation layers, is used for electrical connection and isolation between electrode assemblies, allowing for simplified connections and improved energy density by reducing the volume of the battery combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If single cells are connected in series and/or parallel by using external electrical connectors (bolt, conductive sheet, wire), then electrical connection between cells is achieved, but volume and mass occupied by package materials and connectors increase, reducing volume energy density and mass energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidbattery group volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function and isolation function into a single segment membrane component. The segment membrane integrates electrical connection (through conductive layers) and electrical isolation (through insulation layers) that were previously performed by separate connectors and insulation materials, thereby reducing the overall volume and mass of packaging materials while maintaining reliable electrical connections between electrode assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The segment membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between electrode assemblies through its conductive layers, provides electrical isolation through its insulation layers, and serves as a structural support component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connectors and insulation materials, reducing battery group volume and improving energy density

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

2Reliability

If single cells are connected in series and/or parallel by using external electrical connectors, then electrical connection between cells is achieved, but mass occupied by package materials and connectors increases, reducing mass energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidbattery group mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function and isolation function into a single segment membrane component. The segment membrane integrates electrical connection (through conductive layers) and electrical isolation (through insulation layers) that were previously performed by separate connectors and insulation materials, thereby reducing the overall volume and mass of packaging materials while maintaining reliable electrical connections between electrode assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The segment membrane is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers having different properties: conductive layers for electrical connection, insulation layers for electrical isolation, and frame structures for mechanical support. This composite material approach allows the single component to replace multiple separate materials (connectors, insulation materials, packaging materials), reducing the total mass of the battery group

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If external connectors and package materials are used for battery connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but volume energy density and mass energy density of the battery system are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function and isolation function into a single segment membrane component. The segment membrane integrates electrical connection (through conductive layers) and electrical isolation (through insulation layers) that were previously performed by separate connectors and insulation materials, thereby reducing the overall volume and mass of packaging materials while maintaining reliable electrical connections between electrode assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The segment membrane is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers having different properties: conductive layers for electrical connection, insulation layers for electrical isolation, and frame structures for mechanical support. This composite material approach allows the single component to replace multiple separate materials (connectors, insulation materials, packaging materials), reducing the total mass of the battery group

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12451563B2Segment membrane, battery combination, and electrical device
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12451563B2 patent drawing
  • US12451563B2 patent drawing
  • US12451563B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application provides example segment membranes, example battery combinations, and example electrical devices. One example segment membrane includes a conductive layer, a first insulation layer, and a second insulation layer that are disposed in a laminated manner, where the conductive layer is located between the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer. The conductive layer includes a first conductive part and a second conductive part that are disposed in a laminated manner and electrically connected. The first insulation layer is a first frame structure, and the first insulation layer is disposed on a surface that is of the first conductive part and that is away from the second conductive part. The second insulation layer is a second frame structure, and the second insulation layer is disposed on a surface that is of the second conductive part and that is away from the first conductive part.