Solid-State Battery End-Face Buffer Layer for Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state batteries face issues with the peeling of the exterior from the battery element due to expansion and shrinkage of the electrode layers during charging and discharging, leading to damage at the end surface.

Innovation Solution

A solid state battery design incorporating an insulating buffer layer between the battery element and the end-face electrode, intermittently positioned to absorb stress and prevent direct contact, while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a lubricant is provided between the battery element and the end-face electrode to prevent damage, then the damage to the end surface is suppressed, but the contact between the electrode layer and the end-face electrode becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to end surfaceVSAvoidcontact between electrode layer and end-face electrode

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating buffer layer as an intermediary substance between the battery element and the end-face electrode. This buffer layer serves as a mediator that prevents direct harmful contact while allowing controlled electrical interaction, resolving the contradiction between damage prevention and contact reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating buffer layer is applied selectively only in the end-face electrode facing region, not uniformly across the entire battery element. This localized application ensures that damage protection is provided where needed while maintaining proper contact in other critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the electrode layer is allowed to expand and shrink freely during charging and discharging, then the battery operation is smooth, but the exterior is peeled off from the battery element causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and discharging operationVSAvoidpeeling of exterior and damage to end surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating buffer layer is pre-installed between the battery element and the exterior components before assembly. This cushioning layer absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress generated during electrode expansion and shrinkage, preventing peeling and damage before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer layer functions as a thin flexible insulating film that can accommodate the dimensional changes of the electrode layers during operation while maintaining structural integrity and preventing exterior peeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12573658B2Solid-state battery and method of manufacturing solid-state battery

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A solid state battery that includes: a battery element including a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer interposed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer; an end-face electrode facing the end surface of the battery element; a covering layer covering the battery element with the end-face electrode; and an insulating buffer layer between the covering layer and the battery element and surrounding the battery element, wherein the insulating buffer layer is also sandwiched between the battery element and the end-face electrode and arranged intermittently on an end-face electrode facing region side of the end surface of the battery element.