Welded Electrode Terminal Structure for Low-Resistance Battery Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of fine gaps at the interface between the members of the electrode terminal in secondary batteries increases interface resistance, hindering the formation of a favorable conductive path.

Innovation Solution

The electrode terminal design includes a first member with a connection part inserted into a non-through concave hole of a second member, where the interface is welded, reducing gaps and improving conductivity, especially when different metals are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple metal members are welded together to form a conductive path, then the electrode terminal can be constructed with modular components, but fine gaps at the interface increase resistance and reduce conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular constructionVSAvoidconductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion hole is formed with a concave shape beforehand to pre-position the first member in optimal contact. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when welding occurs, the interface starts with reduced gap formation, leading to better conductivity while maintaining modular construction benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion hole geometry is changed from a simple cylindrical shape to a concave shape with specific curvature parameters. This parameter change in the hole geometry allows the first member to sit deeper and make better contact with the second member, reducing interface gaps and improving conductivity without compromising the modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different metals are used for the first and second members, then the electrode terminal can optimize electrical and mechanical properties, but the resistance at the contact interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial optimizationVSAvoidinterface resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concave insertion hole creates a localized region of improved contact quality at the interface. By concentrating the contact area in the concave region, the design ensures optimal local quality of the joint between different metals, reducing interface resistance while allowing the use of dissimilar materials with different electrical and mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a through-hole is used for the insertion hole, then assembly is simplified, but the opposite surface exposes the first member and welding marks which complicates subsequent connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsurface preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concave shape of the insertion hole is designed in advance to contain the first member and welding marks within the hole volume. This preliminary geometric design prevents exposure of problematic surfaces on the opposite side, eliminating the need for additional surface preparation steps while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first member is nested within the concave insertion hole of the second member, with the welding interface contained inside the hole. This nesting arrangement hides the welding marks and exposed member surfaces, providing a clean outer surface for subsequent connections without complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhances conductivity and joint strength at the contact interface, facilitating easier connection with bus bars and reducing resistance in the conductive path.

Implementation Method 1

The first member and the second member are welded to each other at an interface between the first member and the second member situated in an inside of the insertion hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS12381294B2Electrode terminal and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
  • US12381294B2 patent drawing
  • US12381294B2 patent drawing
  • US12381294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A technology is provided which improves the conductivity at the electrode terminal in a secondary battery. The technology herein disclosed provides an electrode terminal of a secondary battery. The electrode terminal includes a first member made of a metal, and a second member made of a metal. The first member has a connection part to be connected to the second member. The second member has an insertion hole for allowing the connection part of the first member to be inserted thereinto. At the interface between the first member and the second member in the inside of the insertion hole, the first member and the second member are welded to each other.