Uncoated Region Electrode Design for High-Density Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries face challenges in achieving high energy density and safety performance due to gas production during charging and discharging cycles, which can lead to expansion and potential explosion or fire hazards.

Innovation Solution

A cell design featuring an electrode assembly with uncoated regions electrically connected to a packaging bag's conductive regions through conductive binder layers, allowing for efficient charging and discharging without external tabs, and incorporating fusion and protective layers to manage gas expansion and prevent further charging/discharging in case of abnormal gas production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the secondary battery uses a traditional structure with coating layers covering the entire electrode sheet, then the battery can maintain structural integrity, but the battery occupies larger space and has lower energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidbattery volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode sheet is divided into coated regions and uncoated regions, where only specific areas are covered with coating layers. This segmentation allows the battery to maintain structural integrity at critical areas while reducing overall material usage and volume in non-critical areas, thereby improving energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode sheet are assigned different qualities: coated regions provide structural support and stability, while uncoated regions reduce volume and increase active material content. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between structural integrity and energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the secondary battery uses a traditional sealing structure, then the battery can maintain packaging integrity, but gas production during charging and discharging causes expansion and potential safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety performanceVSAvoidgas production and expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The uncoated regions are designed to serve as gas release channels. When gas is produced during charging and discharging, it can escape through these uncoated regions rather than causing dangerous expansion, converting the harmful gas production into a controlled release mechanism that maintains safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode sheet is pre-designed with uncoated regions positioned to function as gas release pathways before any gas production occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that gas can be safely vented during operation, preventing expansion and safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If the secondary battery uses external tabs for charging and discharging, then the battery can achieve reliable electrical connection, but the battery occupies more space and has reduced energy density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidbattery structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection function is merged directly into the electrode sheet structure through the uncoated regions, which serve as both structural elements and electrical contact points. This eliminates the need for separate external tabs, reducing overall battery volume and simplifying the structure while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The uncoated regions perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable gas release, and serve as electrical contact points for charging and discharging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing volume and improving energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances energy density, improves safety by preventing gas-induced expansion from causing explosions, and optimizes space utilization within the battery, ensuring reliable operation and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the first uncoated region is electrically connected with the first metal layer via the first conductive binder layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the first fusion layer is disposed between the electrode assembly and the first metal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11069935B2Cell and battery

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

A cell and a battery are provided. The cell includes an electrode assembly and a packaging bag, the electrode assembly includes a first electrode sheet provided with a first coating layer and a first uncoated region, the packaging bag includes a first body, the electrode assembly is disposed in the packaging bag, and the first uncoated region is electrically connected with the first body. Further, the electrode assembly may further include a second electrode sheet provided with a second coating layer and a second uncoated region, the packaging bag may further include a second body, and the second uncoated region is electrically connected with the second body.