Spacer Opening for Wound Electrode Body Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional energy storage devices face challenges in increasing capacity without upsizing, as the thickness of the spacer limits the expansion of the electrode body.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a spacer with an opening that exposes a curved portion of the electrode body from one end to the other in the winding axis direction, allowing for increased space without enlarging the device's outer shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the case is upsized to increase capacity, then the capacity increases, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecapacityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode body is nested within the opening of the spacer, allowing the curved portion to be positioned in the recessed area formed by the opening. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the case without increasing the external dimensions of the device, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer introduces a dimensional feature (the opening extending in the winding axis direction) that creates additional space for the electrode body. By utilizing the depth dimension created by the opening rather than simply expanding the external case dimensions, the design achieves increased capacity without proportional increase in device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the spacer thickness is increased to accommodate larger electrode body, then the electrode body space increases, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode body spaceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is segmented with an opening that creates a recessed portion. This segmentation allows the electrode body to be positioned in different spatial zones - some parts adjacent to the case and other parts extending into the opening - thereby increasing electrode body space without requiring uniform increase in spacer thickness throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer features localized structural variation with the opening creating a recessed area. This local structural change provides additional space specifically where needed for the electrode body without increasing the overall device dimensions, as the opening is integrated into the existing spacer structure rather than adding external volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10833298B2Energy storage device

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 GS YUASA INT LTD

AI summary

An energy storage device includes an electrode body in which an electrode is wound, a case that stores the electrode body, and spacers (side spacers) interposed between the case and the electrode body. The spacers each have an opening that exposes a portion of faces of curved portions of the electrode body from one end to the other end of the electrode body in a winding axis direction of the electrode body.