Stepped Electrode Assembly Layout for High-Density Battery Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to increase the energy density of batteries in limited spaces within electrical terminals, such as electronic devices and electric vehicles, while maintaining compactness and preventing damage or short circuits.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical device features a stacked electrode assembly with a first electrode plate group and a second electrode plate group, where the first group has a smaller dimension than the second, and a step is formed at one end to fit within a shell with a corresponding step, optimizing space utilization and reducing interference, thereby enhancing energy density and endurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the battery compartment space is reduced to accommodate more components, then the integration degree of the electrical terminal is improved, but the energy density of the battery is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration degreeVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is segmented into two groups with different dimensions along the first direction, allowing the battery to adapt to the limited battery compartment space while maintaining high energy density through optimized spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a step structure that creates different height levels (second direction) within the battery compartment, allowing components to be arranged in three-dimensional space rather than just two dimensions, thereby improving integration without sacrificing battery volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the electrode assembly is made larger to increase energy density, then the battery capacity is improved, but the space for components in the battery compartment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidspace for components
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the electrode assembly into two groups with different dimensions allows the battery to maximize its footprint in the battery compartment while maintaining adequate height for component placement, thereby preserving both energy density and component space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The step structure creates a nested arrangement where the electrode assembly and components coexist in the same battery compartment by utilizing different vertical levels, allowing the battery to occupy maximum space without preventing component installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If the spacing between the electrode assembly and shell is reduced to maximize space utilization, then the energy density is improved, but the risk of damage or short circuit is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupation rateVSAvoidrisk of damage or short circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different spacing requirements to different regions of the electrode assembly, with the first group having smaller spacing (0.1-2mm) and the second group having larger spacing, thereby maximizing overall space utilization while maintaining adequate clearance in critical areas to prevent damage and short circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4489168A1Electrochemical device and electrical terminal
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP4489168A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4489168A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4489168A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An electrochemical device (10) includes a shell (100) and an electrode assembly (200) accommodated in the shell (100). The electrode assembly (200) is a stacked structure. The electrode assembly (200) includes a first electrode plate group (210) and a second electrode plate group (220) stacked up. A dimension of the first electrode plate group (210) along the first direction (X) is smaller than a dimension of the second electrode plate group (220) along the first direction (X). A first step (201) is formed at a minimum of one end of the electrode assembly (200) along the first direction (X). A second step (101) corresponding to the first step (201) is formed on the shell (100).