Solid-State Battery Electrode Insulation for Current Collector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-solid-state rechargeable batteries face issues with short circuits due to misalignment or defects in the positive electrode current collector position, which are not easily detectable during manufacturing, leading to potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
An all-solid-state rechargeable battery design with an optically identifiable insulating layer covering the positive electrode layer, allowing for visual inspection of the positive electrode current collector position, ensuring proper alignment and detection of misalignments or defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating layer is disposed to cover the positive electrode layer, then short circuit suppression is improved, but the position of the positive electrode current collector becomes difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a transparent or translucent insulating layer that allows optical detection of the current collector position. The insulating layer material is selected to have light transmission properties enabling visual inspection through the layer, thus maintaining detectability while providing insulation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical inspection mechanism as an intermediary step between layer assembly and final battery completion. This allows the current collector position to be verified through the transparent insulating layer without requiring physical exposure or disassembly.
2Device complexity
If the positive electrode current collector position is not monitored, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but misalignment and defects go undetected leading to short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent insulating layer serves a dual function: it provides electrical insulation while simultaneously enabling self-inspection of the current collector position. The layer itself becomes the inspection medium, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical insulation, mechanical protection, and optical inspection window. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while enhancing reliability through continuous position verification.
3Reliability
If opaque resin materials are used for the insulating layer, then insulation performance is improved, but visual inspection of the current collector position becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using transparent or translucent insulating layer materials that allow light transmission. This optical property enables visual inspection of the current collector position through the insulating layer while maintaining adequate electrical insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the insulating layer material from opaque to transparent/translucent. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of insulation function and inspection capability without compromising electrical performance.
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
This design minimizes the occurrence of short circuits by securely positioning the positive electrode current collector and detecting defects early in the manufacturing process, resulting in more reliable batteries with uniform lithium precipitation and reduced thickness changes during charging and discharging.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer configured to suppress short-circuiting caused by contact between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer
Implementation Method 2
the insulating layer enables a position of an outer edge of the positive electrode current collector covered by the insulating layer to be optically identifiable through the insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
An all-solid-state rechargeable battery capable of preventing generation of short circuits may be provided by securely disposing the positive electrode current collector in the desired position as much as possible or by detecting an arrangement issue of the positive electrode current collector in an early stage of manufacturing process. an all-solid-state rechargeable battery according to an embodiment includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer disposed therebetween, and an insulating layer configured to suppress short-circuiting caused by contact between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, where the solid electrolyte layer is stacked on both surfaces of the positive electrode layer, respectively, the negative electrode layer is stacked on a surface of the respective solid electrolyte layer on an opposite side to the positive electrode layer, respectively, and the insulating layer is disposed on a side cross-section of the positive electrode layer to cover the positive electrode layer, where the positive electrode layer comprises a thin positive electrode current collector and a positive active material layer stacked on both surfaces of the positive electrode current collector, respectively, and where the insulating layer enables a position of an outer edge of the positive electrode current collector covered by the insulating layer to be optically identifiable through the insulating layer.