Stacked Electrode Block with Holding Member for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spiral-wound batteries experience temperature rises due to low thermal conductivity separators, leading to performance impairment, and layered cells face issues with short circuits and contact failures during assembly and charge/discharge cycles, requiring extensive assembly time and potential secular failures.
Innovation Solution
An electrode block with a stacked structure of positive and negative electrodes separated by a separator, held by lid members and a first holding member electrically connected to one electrode, which also functions as a current collector for thermal and electrical low resistance, preventing temperature rises and contact failures by maintaining electrode integrity and facilitating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separator with low thermal conductivity is provided in a multilayered manner between the surface and center of the battery, then the battery structure is stabilized, but the temperature inside the battery rises considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple individual cells, each with its own electrode group and separator configuration. This segmentation allows each cell to maintain structural stability while managing heat generation independently, preventing cumulative heat buildup that would occur in a densely packed single-unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar separator arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked electrode group configuration. The separator is positioned to extend in the stacking direction between electrode pairs, creating thermal management pathways in the vertical dimension that were not present in conventional two-dimensional layouts, thereby improving heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the stacked electrodes are in contact with terminals individually to collect electricity, then the battery can function, but a short circuit or contact failure may occur during assembly and charge/discharge cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member integrates multiple functions: it mechanically stacks the electrode group, provides electrical connection to the first electrode, and maintains positional stability. This merging of structural and electrical functions into a single component eliminates the need for separate terminal contacts, thereby preventing short circuits and contact failures while ensuring reliable electrical connection throughout charge/discharge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member serves as a multi-functional component that simultaneously acts as a mechanical support structure, an electrical conductor, and a positioning element. By making the holding member universal in its functions, the design eliminates potential failure points associated with multiple separate contact interfaces, thereby improving overall contact reliability without compromising electrical functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If small batteries are assembled to form a battery pack to achieve large battery capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but much time and effort are required for connecting and exchanging batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented into modular electrode groups that can be independently assembled and stacked. Each electrode group functions as a discrete unit that can be easily handled and positioned, allowing for rapid assembly of high-capacity battery packs by simply stacking multiple groups without complex interconnection procedures, thereby reducing assembly time while achieving the desired total capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode groups are merged into a single integrated battery structure through the stacking mechanism. This merging allows the battery to function as a unified high-capacity unit while maintaining the simplicity of individual group assembly, enabling rapid exchange and scaling of battery capacity without the time-consuming processes associated with connecting separate battery modules.
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 electrode block effectively restrains temperature rises, prevents short circuits and contact failures, and simplifies battery assembly by maintaining electrode integrity and allowing for easy adjustment of battery capacity through the number of blocks connected in parallel.
Implementation Method 1
the first holding member has low thermal resistance and the outer surfaces of the electrode group and lid members are cooled, internal temperature can be restrained
Implementation Method 2
The first holding member is electrically connected to a first electrode which is one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode block includes: an electrode group having a stacked structure with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; lid members disposed on two ends of the electrode group in the stacked direction; and a first holding member attached to outer surfaces of the electrode group and lid members. The first holding member is electrically connected to a first electrode which is one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and is not electrically connected to a second electrode which is the other one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Further, holes in the electrode group and lid members form a through hole, and a second holding member is attached to the through hole. Thus, the electrode block is fabricated. Then the plurality of electrode blocks is housed in an outer jacket in a stacked manner, and a current collector is inserted into the through hole. Thus, a layered cell is fabricated.