Sensor-Integrated Electrode Tab for Battery Charge and Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies lack precise detection and control of operating characteristics, leading to inefficient charging times and reduced lifespan due to factors like overcharging and faulty charging electronics.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors, such as resistance temperature detectors and pressure sensors, into the electrode tab of batteries to provide real-time monitoring and control of temperature, pressure, and chemical states within the battery, enabling improved power management and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the electrode tab, then measurement precision of battery operating characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (sensors, electrode terminal, reference electrode) into a single integrated electrode tab structure. The base layer serves as both the electrode terminal and the substrate for mounting sensors, while the outer layer provides both structural protection and sealing. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor housings and mounting structures, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode tab is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the electrical terminal for current collection, the mounting platform for sensors, the reference electrode support, and the sealing structure for the battery cell. By making the electrode tab universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thus improving measurement capabilities while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the electrode tab, then reliability of battery monitoring is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode tab into distinct functional zones: the base layer for sensor mounting, the outer layer for sealing and protection, and specific regions for different sensor types (temperature sensors, pressure sensors). This segmentation allows each sensor to be placed in its optimal location with precise positioning requirements localized to specific areas rather than the entire structure, thereby improving reliability while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting features, connection terminals, and sealing structures are pre-integrated into the electrode tab during its fabrication process. The base layer is prepared with predetermined sensor mounting positions and connection points before the actual sensor assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when sensors are installed, they automatically align with pre-positioned features, reducing the precision requirements during final assembly and improving manufacturing consistency.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are formed onto the base layer, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor formation process with the base layer fabrication process. Sensors are formed directly onto the base layer using the same manufacturing techniques (such as printing or deposition) used to create the conductive patterns of the electrode tab itself. This integration eliminates separate sensor mounting steps and reduces the need for additional assembly operations, thereby improving ease of manufacture while the apparent structural complexity is offset by the simplified manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances battery performance by allowing precise regulation of charging rates and temperature, reducing the risk of damage from overcharging and improving overall battery lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a resistance temperature detector
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor is a strain gauge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electrode tab is described. The electrode tab including a base layer and an outer layer disposed on the base layer. The base layer including a sensor.