Threaded Pin Current Collector for Battery Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing current collectors for negative electrodes in lithium batteries are expensive due to machining requirements, necessitating a cost-effective replacement to optimize the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A threaded pin with a nickel or nickel alloy coating is used as the current collector for the negative electrode, providing a larger contact surface and integrating a bore for electrolyte filling, which can be sealed using a closure element, and the housing parts are designed to maximize electrical contact and facilitate electrolyte impregnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional current collectors are used for negative electrodes, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but production costs increase due to expensive machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, custom-machined current collectors with inexpensive, commercially available threaded pins. These pins are standard fasteners that can be sourced at low cost and do not require specialized machining processes, directly addressing the cost issue while maintaining functional adequacy for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded pin serves multiple functions: it provides electrical contact between the negative electrode and the external circuit, acts as a structural support element, and enables the filling of electrolyte through its integrated bore. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the design and reducing costs
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded pins with bores are used as current collectors, then electrolyte filling is facilitated and production costs are reduced, but additional sealing requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolyte filling function with the current collector by integrating a bore directly into the threaded pin. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate filling mechanisms or additional openings in the battery housing, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added sealing requirement at the pin-bore interface
Solution Approach 2:
A closure element is introduced as an intermediary component to seal the bore in the threaded pin. This simple intermediary component enables controlled electrolyte filling while maintaining a reliable seal, adding minimal complexity to the overall system
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 solution reduces production costs by utilizing commercially available threaded pins and optimizing the manufacturing process, enhancing the current carrying capacity and ensuring a liquid-tight seal, while allowing controlled electrolyte dosing without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A pin which has a thread on its outside is provided as the second current conductor for the negative electrode. The pin is preferably made of steel and has a preferably closed coating made of nickel or a nickel alloy.
Implementation Method 2
a liquid electrolyte with which the electrodes and the separator are impregnated
Data Source
AI summary
A battery is described comprising a positive electrode, designed as a hollow cylinder and defining a cavity, with an outer surface; a negative electrode, which at least partially fills the cavity; a separator arranged between the positive and negative electrodes; a liquid electrolyte with which the electrodes and the separator are impregnated; a first current collector for the positive electrode and a second current collector for the negative electrode; and a housing enclosing an interior space in which the electrodes and the separator are arranged. The second current collector for the negative electrode is a pin with a head and a threaded shaft extending from it. The second current collector also has at least one bore suitable for filling the interior space with electrolyte. A method for manufacturing such a battery is also described.