Storage Element External Terminal Simplified Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage element terminal configurations are complex and costly to fabricate, lacking a simplified structure for external terminals that can efficiently connect bus bars while preventing heat transmission and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
The external terminal comprises a plate-like member and a rod-like connecting member, where the rod-like member is inserted into a through hole in the plate-like member, forming a simplified structure that allows easy fabrication and connection to a current collector, with a rivet having a flange and shaft providing a press-fitted connection and increased pressure welding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-deformed positive penetration connector is caulked to a positive fixed portion with a bus bar connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the positive penetration connector and the bus bar into a single integrated positive terminal component. The bus bar is directly formed as an extension of the penetration connector, eliminating the need for separate caulked connections. This integration simplifies the terminal structure while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the current collector and external circuitry.
2Reliability
If a complex terminal structure with multiple components is used, then connection reliability is improved, but fabrication cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration connector and bus bar are merged into a single monolithic component that can be formed in one fabrication process. This eliminates multiple assembly steps including caulking operations, reducing both fabrication cost and process complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is segmented into functional zones within a single component: the penetration portion for inserting through the envelope, the connection portion for joining to the current collector, and the bus bar extension for external electrical connection. This segmentation allows optimized design of each function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If traditional terminal structures with surface boundary sections are used, then connection is achieved, but corrosion resistance decreases and heat transmission during welding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic surface boundary sections from the terminal structure. By providing a flat portion at the top surface of the bus bar extension, the design removes exposed boundary areas that would otherwise be susceptible to corrosion and heat concentration during welding operations, thereby improving corrosion resistance and reducing heat transmission.
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 configuration simplifies the fabrication of storage element terminals, reduces costs, and prevents corrosion by eliminating surface boundary sections and minimizing heat transmission during welding, while ensuring a secure and durable connection.
Implementation Method 1
a rod-like connecting member, where the rod-like member is inserted into a through hole in the plate-like member, forming a simplified structure that allows easy fabrication and connection to a current collector, with a rivet having a flange and shaft providing a press-fitted connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage element includes: an external terminal having an exposed surface which is exposed to the outside from an envelope, a current collector which is contained inside of the envelope and is connected to the external terminal, and a power generating element which is contained inside of the envelope and is connected to the current collector. The external terminal includes: a flat portion exposed to the outside; and a shaft projecting from the flat portion to the inside of the envelope and being connected to the current collector.