Hailiang (Jeff) Zhao

Title: Hailiang (Jeff) Zhao and Battery Electrode Assembly Innovation

Introduction

Hailiang (Jeff) Zhao is an inventor based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, and is associated with Medtronic, Inc. His listed patent concerns a mandrel design for a jelly-roll electrode assembly in an electric storage battery.

Latest Patents

Zhao is credited with 1 patent: “Electrode Assembly Including Mandrel Having Removable Portion.” The patent describes a mandrel with positive, negative, and removable portions. Grooves in the positive and negative portions accommodate feedthrough pins, while the removable portion helps wind the electrodes and can be detached after wrapping. The remaining mandrel portions are insulated from each other within the assembly.

The design is intended to enable tighter wrapping and support battery miniaturization. It also addresses the risk of burrs or short circuits that can arise when tabs are placed after the electrode assembly has been formed.

Career Highlights

Zhao’s listed invention focuses on electrode assembly construction and the practical challenges of winding and insulating battery components. His association with Medtronic, Inc. provides the company context for his recorded patent work.

Collaborations

The provided information lists Joseph J. Viavattine and Paul B. Aamodt as Zhao’s coworkers. It does not specify their roles in the patent or establish that they were co-inventors.

Conclusion

Hailiang (Jeff) Zhao’s recorded patent presents a removable-portion mandrel intended to improve electrode winding, support compact battery assemblies, and reduce risks associated with tab placement.