Wound Battery Electrode Structure Without a Crack-Prone Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cracks in the electrode tab and interference during welding are common issues in secondary battery manufacturing due to external impacts and interference between the electrode assembly and the welding area.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly is configured with a second electrode substrate surrounding the outer circumference, and a conductive tape contacting the case sidewall, eliminating the need for an additional electrode tab and preventing tab separation or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrode tab is connected to the inner surface of the case for electrical conduction, then current conduction is achieved, but cracks may occur in the electrode tab when the battery receives external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable electrode tab component entirely by using the substrate of the second electrode to extend and contact the case sidewall directly, eliminating the separate tab structure that was prone to cracking under impact
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate of the second electrode serves dual functions: as the active electrode component and as the electrical connection element that contacts the case sidewall, merging what were previously separate components (electrode and tab) into a unified structure
2Ease of manufacture
If the electrode assembly is placed inside the case for accommodation, then the battery structure is formed, but the electrode assembly may interfere with the welding area of the cap assembly and case
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate of the second electrode is extended beyond the wound electrode assembly to reach the case sidewall, extracting the electrical connection function from the tab and positioning it to avoid interference with the welding area between the cap assembly and case
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate extends in a radial direction from the wound electrode assembly to contact the case sidewall, using a different spatial dimension to achieve electrical connection without interfering with the axial welding process between cap and case
3Reliability
If two electrode tabs are used for electrical connection, then current conduction is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate of the second electrode performs multiple functions: it serves as the active electrode material, provides structural support, and establishes electrical connection with the case, eliminating the need for a separate electrode tab component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates one of the two electrode tabs by using the substrate of the second electrode to provide the electrical connection function, reducing the number of components while maintaining electrical conduction
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 stabilizes current conduction, prevents tab cracks, and avoids interference during welding, enhancing battery integrity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the outer circumference of the electrode assembly contacts (electrically conductive) the sidewall portion of the case
Implementation Method 2
a conductive tape contacting the case sidewall, eliminating the need for an additional electrode tab
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode and wound together; a case to accommodate the electrode assembly, and including a bottom portion, a sidewall portion connected to the bottom portion, and an opening at a side opposite to the bottom portion; and a cap assembly to seal the opening by being connected to one end of the sidewall portion of the case. A substrate of the second electrode extends and is wound to surround an outer circumference of the electrode assembly, and at least a portion of the outer circumference of the electrode assembly contacts the sidewall portion of the case.