Stretchable Battery Tab Design for Electrode Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face deformation issues with electrodes due to tab connections during assembly, leading to corrugations and potential short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates stretchable tabs with corrugated or wave-shaped drawn portions, supported by bent portions parallel to the cap plate, which are electrically connected to the electrodes and cap plate, minimizing deformation and preventing short-circuits by optimizing the width of these tabs within the battery case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid tabs are used to connect terminals to electrodes, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but electrode deformation and corrugations occur during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the tab with a drawn portion that has reduced thickness and increased flexibility. This flexible section allows the tab to bend and deform during assembly without transmitting stress to the electrode, thereby preventing electrode corrugations while maintaining electrical connectivity through the flexible but conductive drawn portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the tab by creating a drawn portion with modified thickness and mechanical properties. The drawn portion has reduced thickness compared to the original tab, which changes its mechanical characteristics from rigid to flexible, allowing it to accommodate assembly stresses without deforming the electrode.
2Reliability
If tab width is increased to improve electrical connectivity, then connectivity is enhanced, but tab deformation and short-circuit risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by creating a drawn portion with locally modified properties - specifically, a section of the tab with reduced thickness and altered mechanical characteristics. This local modification allows the tab to have different properties in different sections: the drawn portion is flexible and deformable, while other portions maintain their original strength and conductivity, thus preventing short-circuits while ensuring connectivity.
3Length of moving object
If battery thickness is reduced for compactness, then portability is improved, but electrode stability and resistance to deformation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the flexible drawn portion of the tab to accommodate deformation stresses that would otherwise be transmitted to the electrode. This flexibility allows the battery to be made thinner without compromising electrode stability, as the drawn portion absorbs the mechanical stresses during assembly and operation.
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 solution effectively prevents electrode deformation and short-circuits by allowing stretchable tabs to accommodate assembly stresses while maintaining electrical connectivity, enhancing the reliability and durability of rechargeable batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first tab for electrically connecting the terminal and the first electrode, the first tab having a first drawn portion which is stretchable
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery is disclosed. In one aspect, the battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes and a case accommodating the electrode assembly, wherein an opening is formed in the case. The battery also includes a cap plate coupled to and closing the opening of the case, a terminal placed to pass through the cap plate and a first tab interconnecting the terminal and the first electrode, wherein the first tab includes a stretchable first drawn portion.