Electrode Assembly Separator Edge Fixing for Impact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrode assembly structures for rechargeable batteries are prone to misalignment due to external impacts, as the adhesive tape used to fix the alignment of the negative, positive electrodes, and separator is not effective, especially when the tape adheres to thin separators with small adhesive areas.
Innovation Solution
A fixing member with an adhesive layer is applied to the edges of the separators, spaced apart from the electrodes, and includes an insulating member on the upper and lower surfaces, using a solution-type adhesive that is cured to form a continuous linear or inclined shape along the edges, ensuring the electrodes and separators remain aligned by increasing the contact area and providing elasticity to restore alignment after impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tape is used to wrap and fix the alignment state of the negative electrode, separator, and positive electrode, then the alignment is improved, but the adhesive area between the tape and separator is small causing misalignment under external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single fixing member: alignment fixation, impact absorption, and electrical insulation. This integrated structure provides both alignment stability and reliability under external impact by merging the tape's adhesive function with cushioning and insulating properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member uses composite material structure combining adhesive layer, insulating layer, and cushioning material. This composite construction provides both strong adhesion to maintain alignment and elastic cushioning to absorb external impacts, resolving the contradiction between alignment stability and impact resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adhesive layer is applied to surround ends of the separators, then the alignment fixation is improved, but the risk of adhesive contact with electrode ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as an intermediary between the adhesive layer and the electrode ends. It allows the adhesive to be positioned close to the electrode ends for strong alignment fixation while preventing direct contact between the adhesive and electrode surfaces, thus eliminating the harmful effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is segmented into distinct functional layers: adhesive layer for alignment fixation, insulating layer for protection, and cushioning layer for impact absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others, enabling the adhesive to fix alignment without contacting the electrode.
3Reliability
If a fixing member with insulating member is added, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is designed as a multi-functional universal component that simultaneously provides alignment fixation, electrical insulation, and impact cushioning. By making the fixing member universal with multiple functions, the patent improves safety without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple protective roles.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple protective functions (adhesion, insulation, cushioning) are merged into a single fixing member structure. This consolidation improves overall safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using one integrated component rather than multiple separate parts.
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
The solution effectively minimizes misalignment and distortion of the electrode assembly by firmly holding the edges, allowing for improved safety and stability of the battery structure during external shocks and maintaining alignment through the adhesive and insulating properties.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member including an adhesive layer adhered to the first surfaces of the separators that are facing each other
Implementation Method 2
forming an adhesive layer by curing the solution-type adhesive
Implementation Method 3
a fixing member including an insulating member adhered to an upper surface of an uppermost separator of the plurality of separators and a lower surface of a lowermost separator of the plurality of separators
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly includes: a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes, alternately and repeatedly stacked; a plurality of separators between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes, respectively, to protrude from the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes and stacked such that first surfaces at edges thereof face each other; and a fixing member including an adhesive layer adhered to the first surfaces of the separators that are facing each other.