Acoustic analysis systems and methods for electrochemical devices and materials

Abstract

An acoustic analysis system for an electrochemical device or an electrochemical material is provided. The system includes a housing configured to contain an electrochemical device or an electrochemical material for acoustic analysis; and at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or the electrochemical material housed within the housing. Preferably, the system also includes a motion controller configured to enable the at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer to translate and / or rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing. There is also provided an acoustic analysis method for an electrochemical device or an electrochemical material, the method comprising performing an acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or the electrochemical material using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer, where the electromagnetic acoustic transducer is configured to perform a non-contact acoustic analysis by generating a Lorentz force, the Lorentz force induces sound waves in the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

Description

[0001] Field of the Invention This disclosure relates to acoustic analysis systems and methods for electrochemical devices and materials, particularly analyses using electromagnetic acoustic transducers and / or motion controllers.

[0002] background Acoustic analysis can be used to determine the state and / or characteristics of electrochemical devices (such as electrochemical cells and / or battery packs) based on measurements of the elastic properties and internal interfaces using sound waves (typically in the ultrasonic range). Acoustic signals received after propagation within the electrochemical device or material can reveal information about the material properties and internal structure.

[0003] Traditional acoustic analysis methods require contact between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material being analyzed. Because of this contact requirement, existing methods necessitate the use of liquid, gel, or solid coupling agents between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material to reduce acoustic attenuation between the transducer and the sample. This can pose problems for many electrochemical devices and materials that are sensitive to external coupling agents, such as water-based coupling agents. The amount, composition, and material properties of the coupling agent used also affect the measured acoustic waveform, meaning that applying different and inconsistent coupling agents to the electrochemical device can impact the reliability of acoustic measurements. Furthermore, the application of coupling agents poses a significant obstacle to the automation and scalability of acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices and materials. Moreover, the force applied to bring the transducer into contact with the sample surface also affects the characteristics of the acoustic wave and the quality of the measurement, particularly the amplitude of the acoustic signal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects of the invention have been set forth in the independent claims, while optional features are set forth in the dependent claims. Various aspects of the invention can be combined with each other, and features of one aspect can be applied to other aspects.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an acoustic analysis system for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, the system comprising a housing configured to house the electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis, and at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing.

[0006] For example, the acoustic analysis system may be an acoustic analysis system for electrochemical devices and / or an acoustic analysis system for electrochemical materials. In some examples, the electrochemical device may be an electrochemical cell or battery pack. Techniques using acoustics for detection in this manner can be applied to batteries of various sizes and form factors, including but not limited to pouch cells, prismatic cells, and cylindrical cells. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other electrochemical devices may also be applicable; for example, but not limited to fuel cells, galvanic cells, electrolyzers, and capacitors. The electrochemical device may also include electrochemical components, such as, but not limited to, electrodes. Electrochemical materials may include materials suitable for the electrochemical device, such as materials that generate electrical energy through chemical reactions (e.g., during battery discharge) or that promote chemical reactions by applying electricity (e.g., hydrogen production through water electrolysis). While electrochemical materials are typically integrated into the electrochemical device, analyzing these materials themselves also helps predict the performance of the resulting electrochemical device. In particular, the analysis of electrochemical materials can be used for quality control, such as during the manufacture or assembly of the electrochemical device. In some examples, the electrochemical material may be, but not limited to, electrode materials, or other materials or components used in the electrochemical device.

[0007] For example, acoustic analysis can be used to determine the state or characteristics of electrochemical cell electrodes based on measurements of at least one of the following: elastic properties, density, thickness, internal interfaces, and / or internal interphase. In particular, acoustic analysis can reveal information including, but not limited to, electrolyte wetting, electrolyte degradation, gas formation, solid-electrolyte interface characteristics, stratification, permeation, internal short circuits, temperature, thermal runaway, changes in material porosity, thickness, current collector corrosion, lithium plating, and metal dissolution. Changes in elastic properties can also be correlated with changes in the state of charge, health, or safety of the electrochemical device. Furthermore, acoustic analysis can be used to study battery components and their behavior, including but not limited to electrodes, electrode drying, slurry composition, and electrolyte characteristics. These characteristics may be particularly relevant to the analysis of batteries and electrochemical cells. However, those skilled in the art will understand that acoustic analysis can also reveal information related to fuel cells, including but not limited to electrode boundaries, excessive or high water content in the battery, rupture of the gas diffusion layer or microporous layer, bipolar plate corrosion or breakage, electrode mismatch, or poor contact between electrodes. Furthermore, acoustic analysis can reveal information related to the electrolyzer, including but not limited to membrane dehydration, scaling, excessive gas in the cell, catalyst layer rupture, pore formation, and catalyst poisoning. Those skilled in the art will also understand that acoustic analysis can reveal information about other electrochemical devices, such as, but not limited to, galvanic cells and capacitors.

[0008] The applicant has identified numerous compelling advantages of using electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) for non-contact acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices or materials. For example, EMATs can be advantageous for acoustic analysis systems of electrochemical devices or materials because non-contact analysis eliminates measurement errors and inaccuracies caused by inconsistent contact with the surface of the analyzed electrochemical device or material. Furthermore, the use of non-contact transducers allows acoustic analysis to be deployed at the earliest stages of the battery production line (e.g., during or after electrode coating in electrode manufacturing) and enables the deployment of measurement capabilities where acoustic analysis can significantly reduce waste, allowing for rapid feedback when defects are identified and informing control and quality management strategies. This can ultimately reduce material waste in the production line. Non-contact acoustic analysis can also help avoid sample damage and / or contamination. Additionally, there is no need to establish a compression relationship with the sample, which can be time-consuming. Compared to contact analysis, non-contact analysis can improve safety issues such as chemical and electrical short circuits, and may also improve productivity due to its faster sample scanning speed.

[0009] Non-contact acoustic analysis using EMAT can also be used to monitor electrochemical cells or battery packs in use. The acoustic measurement results obtained from non-contact acoustic analysis of batteries in use can be selectively used to control the operation of the battery management system (BMS).

[0010] For example, electromagnetic acoustic transducers can be configured for acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices or materials without the need for a coupling agent between the transducer and the electrochemical device or material. Coupling agents are materials traditionally used to facilitate the transfer of acoustic energy (such as ultrasonic energy) from the transducer to the sample due to significant acoustic impedance mismatch between air and the sample. Using electromagnetic acoustic transducers can potentially improve measurement reliability because it overcomes the need for a coupling agent, which can introduce bias and inconsistencies into acoustic measurements. This also expands the range of electrochemical devices and materials that can be studied through acoustic analysis, including those sensitive to external coupling agents (typically liquid and / or water-based).

[0011] In some examples, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer may include a magnet (such as a permanent magnet) and a coil configured to apply an alternating current. The coil may be configured to provide a first magnetic field, while the magnet may be configured to provide a second magnetic field. The first and second magnetic fields are configured to interact to generate a Lorentz force, which is used to induce sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0012] Then, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer is configured to measure sound waves in transmission and / or reflection modes to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0013] In some examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer can be a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer, configured to induce compression waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This can be advantageous because the applicant unexpectedly discovered that compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers yield better acoustic measurements for certain electrochemical devices, particularly electrochemical cells and battery packs such as pouch cells, compared to shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers. This finding is surprising, given that compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) probes are generally considered to be less efficient and less sensitive than their corresponding shear wave probes. The performance enhancement of the compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer is thought to be due to better interaction of ultrasound with the layered structure of the electrochemical cell or battery pack, particularly because the sound waves from the compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer propagate perpendicular to this layered structure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer can be any other electromagnetic acoustic transducer, such as a shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce shear acoustic waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, including but not limited to radially polarized shear wave EMAT or angled shear wave EMAT.

[0014] In some examples, the system may also include an EMAT adapter, such as, but not limited to, the GS2020 EMAT adapter. This EMAT adapter can be configured to improve the signal-to-noise ratio performance of the EMAT. Furthermore, the EMAT adapter can be configured to bridge between the EMAT probe and a defect detector designed specifically for piezoelectric transducers. Doing so may facilitate the alternating use of EMAT and piezoacoustic transducers within the system.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that the housing may include a frame structure or other support structure for housing the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. The housing does not necessarily have to be a closed enclosure. However, in other examples, the housing is configured to substantially enclose the electrochemical device or electrochemical material and the electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). This may be advantageous for controlling the test environment within the enclosed enclosure.

[0016] The system may also include a motion controller configured to enable translation and / or rotation of at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer relative to the electrochemical device or material. This motion controller advantageously allows for controlled, spatially resolved measurements by, for example, grating or scanning of the transducer relative to the device or material under study. For example, the motion controller may be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer, or it may be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of the sample being analyzed (e.g., the electrochemical device or material). In some examples, the motion controller may be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of both at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer and the sample being analyzed.

[0017] The motion controller can be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to move relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material in multiple degrees of freedom. This facilitates the acquisition of measurement data from the sensor head at multiple different positions and / or orientations relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0018] The motion controller can be a multi-axis motion controller. For example, the motion controller can be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to translate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least three degrees of freedom. For example, translation relative to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0019] Achieving translation with three degrees of freedom, that is, translation not limited to the xy plane, may be beneficial for controlling the z-axis position, thereby enabling repeatable positioning and distance control of the EMAT and the sample under study when the height and / or thickness are variable.

[0020] Translation relative to the z-axis, such as changing the distance between the acoustic transducer and the sample under study, can also provide important information about the sample and its material properties.

[0021] Alternatively, the motion controller is configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least one degree of freedom. For example, rotation relative to at least one of the pitch axis, yaw axis, and roll axis.

[0022] An electromagnetic acoustic transducer may be coupled to a sensor head, which is coupled to a motion controller, such that the motion controller can be configured to translate and / or rotate the sensor head. Optionally, the sensor head may also include at least one sensor configured to measure the non-acoustic properties or characteristics of the electrochemical device or material.

[0023] In some examples, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer can be coupled to a sensor head, which is coupled to a motion controller via a detachable mount. The detachable mount can advantageously be configured to couple to multiple replaceable sensor heads, each of which may include at least one different sensor and / or a different acoustic transducer. Thus, a variety of different transducers, including conventional piezoacoustic transducers, laser-induced ultrasonic transducers (LIUTs), and / or electromagnetic acoustic transducers, can be mounted on the same system, allowing for the analysis and detection of electrochemical devices and / or materials using a range of different transducer types and settings. The detachable mount also allows for rapid manual or automatic replacement of the sensor head.

[0024] The motion controller can be configured to detect a sensor head coupled to a detachable mount, and to control the translation and / or rotation of the sensor head relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material based on the detected sensor head; for example, to accommodate a range of different transducer types and settings.

[0025] The system may also include a resilient biasing structure connected between the motion controller and the acoustic transducer, wherein the resilient biasing structure is configured to bias the acoustic transducer to a first configuration. This helps ensure that the acoustic transducer returns to the same position when it comes into contact with an electrochemical device or material. The resilient biasing structure may also be configured to allow movement of the acoustic transducer. This helps prevent damage to the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material when the acoustic transducer comes into contact with the electrochemical device or material, and / or allows the acoustic transducer to move to conform to the surface of the electrochemical device or material. In some examples, the resilient biasing structure may be connected between the motion controller and the sensor head.

[0026] The system may also include a force sensor for sensing indications of forces applied to at least one acoustic transducer. A motion controller may be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer relative to the electrochemical device or material based on the force indications sensed by the force sensor. This can be advantageous for maintaining a constant force between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material in contact sensing applications, and / or for preventing damage to the acoustic transducer and electrochemical device or material in the event of contact or collision. Preventing damage to electrochemical devices or materials (such as batteries or battery packs) during acoustic analysis is particularly important, as excessive force or impact can trigger thermal runaway, leading to fire or explosion of the electrochemical device or material.

[0027] In some examples, the system may include an array of acoustic transducers, wherein the distribution of the acoustic transducers within the array enables the array to cover at least a portion of the surface of an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. For example, the sensor head may include an array of acoustic transducers. This can be advantageous for spatially resolved acoustic measurements while reducing the number of locations that a motion controller needs to cover. Multiple transducers within the array can also be configured to operate in a phased array manner to utilize beam control. This can be advantageous for focusing acoustic energy and improving resolution.

[0028] In some examples, each acoustic transducer includes a pulse receiver configured to induce the acoustic transducer to generate or produce an acoustic waveform and / or receive at least one of the following: (i) an emitted wave and (ii) a reflected wave.

[0029] The acoustic analysis system may also include a distance analysis structure for sensing the relative distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material. A motion controller may also be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer based on the relative distance indication sensed by the distance analysis structure, so as to maintain a constant distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material during acoustic analysis. This helps improve the reliability and repeatability of acoustic analysis measurements and / or prevents collisions between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material. In some examples, the distance analysis structure may include a laser, such as a laser-based distance analysis system.

[0030] Acoustic analysis systems may also include miniature quick-acting switches configured to interrupt the motion controller's movement when the force applied to the acoustic transducer exceeds a threshold. This helps prevent and reduce damage to the sensor head (including the acoustic transducer) and to the sample, such as in the event of a collision between the acoustic transducer and an electrochemical device or material. Preventing damage to electrochemical devices or materials (such as batteries or battery packs) is particularly important during acoustic analysis, as excessive force or impact can trigger thermal runaway, leading to fire or explosion of the electrochemical device or material.

[0031] Acoustic analysis systems may also include optical sensors for visual inspection of electrochemical devices or materials. Visual defects identified through inspection, such as wrinkles on a pouch cell casing, can be correlated with acoustic transducer measurements at the location of the visual defect. This facilitates the association of any unusual or irregular surface features with unusual or irregular acoustic measurements.

[0032] The acoustic analysis system may also include sensors configured to acquire identification information associated with the electrochemical device or material, wherein the identification information is correlated with acoustic transducer measurements of the electrochemical device or material. For example, the sensors may include optical sensors configured to read QR codes, barcodes, or other visual identifiers associated with the electrochemical device or material. Alternatively or supplementarily, the sensors may include short-range wireless receivers configured to read short-range wireless identifiers associated with the electrochemical device or material, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or similar identifiers. Motion controllers may also be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer based on identification information associated with the electrochemical device or material, for example, where the identification information may include information about the test protocol.

[0033] The acoustic analysis system may also include a Hall sensor and / or an eddy current detection probe, wherein the Hall sensor and / or the eddy current detection probe are configured to perform current mapping on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, wherein the current mapping measurement results are spatially correlated with the acoustic transducer measurement results of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0034] The acoustic analysis system may also include at least one temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature indication of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. The system may also include a temperature-controlled chamber configured to house the electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis within the housing, wherein the temperature of the temperature-controlled chamber is configured to be controlled based on a temperature indication of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material sensed by the at least one temperature sensor.

[0035] The acoustic analysis system may also include an electrochemical testing system configured to test electrochemical devices or materials during acoustic analysis using at least one acoustic transducer. This facilitates obtaining acoustic measurements during the cycling of the electrochemical device. For example, in the case of an electrochemical device that is an electrochemical cell or battery pack, the testing system (such as a battery cycler) enables acoustic measurements during the charging, discharging, and / or aging of the cell or battery pack. Alternatively or supplementarily, the testing system may also be configured to employ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to obtain spatially resolved measurements related to the electrochemical performance of the cell or battery pack.

[0036] Acoustic analysis systems may also include nuclear isotope thickness measurement systems, such as isotope analyzers. This can facilitate the monitoring of sample thickness.

[0037] The acoustic analysis system may also include a laser interferometer configured to perform surface profile analysis on the sample.

[0038] The housing of the acoustic analysis system may also include a sample bed for housing an electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis. The sample bed may also include at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material within the sample bed. This facilitates the placement of at least one static sensor relative to the electrochemical device or material.

[0039] For example, the sample bed may include an array of piezoelectric elements configured to receive, in transmission mode, acoustic signals propagated through an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This may facilitate scanning of the sample surface by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer, while the piezoelectric element array is configured to receive, in transmission mode, spatially resolved acoustic signals induced by the electromagnetic acoustic transducer. Alternatively, the piezoelectric element array may be configured to provide a series of temperature measurements on the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material in the sample bed; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the sample bed may include any suitable array of temperature sensors.

[0040] The acoustic analysis system may also include a controller configured to adjust and / or optimize acoustic parameters for acoustic analysis based on acoustic measurements received from an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. Optionally, the controller may also be configured to further optimize the acoustic parameters based on measurements received from auxiliary sensors (i.e., non-acoustic transducer sensors) within the acoustic analysis system. Optimization of acoustic parameters can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring expertise in the equipment and acoustic techniques used to analyze the sample. Therefore, providing a controller that controls and / or optimizes acoustic parameters based on information from the acoustic transducer and optionally from the other sensors may help overcome this problem. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust and / or optimize acoustic parameters based on the identification of key features of the acoustic waveform, wherein the controller may be configured to optimize the acoustic parameters by adjusting at least one acoustic parameter based on a feedback loop and identifying changes in key features of the acoustic waveform until these features are optimized. As an example, the controller may be configured to adjust at least one acoustic parameter and monitor changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic waveform. The acoustic parameters can then be optimized based on the acoustic parameter values ​​or ranges that minimize the signal-to-noise ratio. The controller can also be configured to perform self-calibration by comparing changes in the acoustic waveform with parameters of a calibration block with known characteristics. The properties of the electromagnetic pulse can also be controlled and varied, for example, by changing the amplitude and frequency, to obtain different information about the internal properties of the electrochemical sample under test. Standard tests can be performed using transducers in the 5 MHz range; however, for thicker battery / electrochemical devices, this range can be reduced to between approximately 0.5 MHz and 5 MHz.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to an acoustic analysis method for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, the method comprising performing acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), wherein the EAT is configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis by generating a Lorentz force, the Lorentz force being configured to induce sound waves in the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. For example, the method may include performing acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material using an acoustic analysis system comprising an EAT. This may be advantageous for acoustic analysis systems for electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials because the EAT facilitates non-contact acoustic analysis, thereby eliminating measurement errors and inaccuracies caused by inconsistent contact with the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material being analyzed. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for a coupling agent between the EAT and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, improving measurement reliability by eliminating differences and inconsistencies caused by the coupling agent. This also expands the range of electrochemical devices and materials that can be studied through acoustic analysis, including those sensitive to external coupling agents (typically liquid and / or water-based). Furthermore, non-contact acoustic analysis may be advantageous in avoiding sample damage and / or contamination. Additionally, there is no need to establish a certain compressive force with the sample, which can be time-consuming. Compared to contact analysis, non-contact acoustic analysis may also offer improvements in safety, such as chemical and electrical short circuits, and improves productivity due to faster sample scanning speeds.

[0042] Acoustic analysis using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer may include: providing a first magnetic field using an electric coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer, and providing a second magnetic field using a magnet of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer. The first and second magnetic fields may be configured to interact to generate a Lorentz force, wherein the Lorentz force is configured to induce acoustic waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. The method may also include measuring acoustic waves from the electrochemical device or electrochemical material using the electromagnetic acoustic transducer to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0043] The electromagnetic acoustic transducer may be a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce compression sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This may be advantageous because the applicant has unexpectedly discovered that compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers yield better acoustic measurement results for certain electrochemical devices (particularly pouch cells) compared to shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer may be any other type of electromagnetic acoustic transducer, such as a shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce shear sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, including but not limited to radially polarized shear wave EMAT or oblique shear wave EMAT.

[0044] Providing the first magnetic field may include applying an alternating current to the electric coil of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. The first magnetic field is configured to induce eddy currents in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, while the second magnetic field is configured to interact with the induced eddy currents to generate a Lorentz force.

[0045] Measuring sound waves can include measuring the induced current and / or potential difference in the receiving coil of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer, wherein the current in the receiving coil is configured to be induced by non-contact interaction between sound waves propagating through an electrochemical device or electrochemical material in the presence of a second magnetic field. The receiving coil may be the same as or independent of the coil used to provide the first magnetic field.

[0046] Acoustic analysis using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer can also include scanning the electromagnetic acoustic transducer on the surface of an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and performing acoustic analysis at discrete points on the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material during the scanning process. This is advantageous for obtaining spatially resolved measurements at different points on the device or material. Alternatively, acoustic analysis using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer can also include translating and / or rotating the electrochemical device or electrochemical material to obtain spatially resolved measurements at different points on the device or material from a static electromagnetic acoustic transducer. In some examples, acoustic analysis using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer may include translating and / or rotating the electrochemical device or electrochemical material and the electromagnetic acoustic transducer to obtain spatially resolved measurements at different points on the device or material.

[0047] A scanning electromagnetic acoustic transducer may include using a multi-axis motion controller to translate and / or rotate the electromagnetic acoustic transducer relative to the surface of an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. For example, the motion controller may be configured to translate and / or rotate the electromagnetic acoustic transducer. Alternatively, or additionally, the motion controller may also be configured to translate and / or rotate the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

[0048] Sound waves can be measured relative to an electrochemical device or electrochemical material in reflection mode (also known as pulse-echo mode). For example, the electric coil of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer used to generate the first magnetic field can also be used as a receiving coil to measure the sound signal in reflection mode.

[0049] In addition, or otherwise, sound waves can be measured in transmission modes relative to electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials.

[0050] The method may also include signal processing of the received acoustic waves to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device, electrochemical material, or electrochemical substance. Example signal processing methods may include, but are not limited to, at least one of: (i) peak identification; (ii) peak quantization; (iii) multipeak identification and / or quantization; (iv) total energy measurement; (v) Fourier transform analysis, or equivalent analysis in the spectral domain; and / or (vi) comparative analysis with baseline measurements. In some examples, signal processing may be performed using a machine learning model.

[0051] The method may also include testing the electrochemical device or electrochemical materials using an electrochemical testing system while performing acoustic analysis. This facilitates obtaining acoustic measurement results during electrochemical testing (e.g., during the cycling of the electrochemical device). For example, in the case of an electrochemical device that is an electrochemical battery or battery pack, the method may also include charging and / or discharging the battery or battery pack using a battery cycler system while performing acoustic analysis. This allows acoustic measurements to be performed during the charging, discharging, and / or aging of the battery or battery pack. Furthermore, or alternatively, electrochemical testing may also include applying a sinusoidal current or voltage pulse to the battery and comparing the resulting voltage or current difference with changes in acoustic results, for example, by performing a transfer function analysis between electrochemical and acoustic measurements.

[0052] The synchronization of electrochemical and acoustic testing may facilitate techniques such as transfer function analysis between electrochemical and acoustic tests, and may also selectively incorporate other test data from auxiliary sensors, including Hall effect, temperature and / or thickness measurements.

[0053] In another aspect of the invention, an acoustic analysis system for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material is provided, the system comprising: a housing for housing the electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis; at least one acoustic transducer for performing acoustic analysis on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material; and a motion controller for enabling the at least one acoustic transducer to translate and / or rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing. This facilitates providing controlled, spatially resolved acoustic measurements by, for example, grating or scanning the acoustic transducer relative to the device or material under study.

[0054] For example, the motion controller may be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of at least one acoustic transducer, or the motion controller may be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of the sample being analyzed (e.g., an electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed in a housing). In some examples, the motion controller may be configured to enable both at least one acoustic transducer and the sample being analyzed to translate and / or rotate.

[0055] In some examples, the electrochemical device may be an electrochemical cell or battery pack. The technique of using acoustics for detection in this manner can be applied to batteries of various sizes and shapes, including but not limited to pouch cells, prismatic cells, and cylindrical cells. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other electrochemical devices are also applicable; for example, but not limited to, fuel cells, galvanic cells, electrolyzers, and capacitors. The term "electrochemical device" may also include electrochemical components, such as, but not limited to, electrodes. In some examples, the electrochemical material may be, but not limited to, electrode materials, or other materials or components used in the electrochemical device.

[0056] In some examples, the acoustic transducer may be an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), as described in the foregoing aspects of the invention, configured for non-contact acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices or materials. For example, at least one EMA may be configured for acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices or materials without the need for a coupling agent between the EMA and the electrochemical device or material. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, other acoustic transducers may be used, such as piezoelectric acoustic transducers for contact acoustic analysis or laser-induced ultrasonic transducers (LIUTs). In these examples, a coupling agent may be coated onto the electrochemical device or material prior to grating or scanning of the acoustic transducer in contact with the surface of the device or material under study.

[0057] In some examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer may be a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce compression sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This may be advantageous because the applicant has unexpectedly discovered that compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers perform better for acoustic measurements of certain electrochemical devices, particularly pouch cells, compared to shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer may be any other type of electromagnetic acoustic transducer, such as a shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce shear sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, including but not limited to radially polarized shear wave EMAT or oblique shear wave EMAT.

[0058] At least one acoustic transducer may be coupled to the housing via a motion controller, such that the motion controller can be configured to enable translation and / or rotation of the at least one acoustic transducer. For example, at least one acoustic transducer may be coupled to a sensor head, wherein the sensor head is coupled to the motion controller, and the motion controller is configured to enable movement of the sensor head.

[0059] Alternatively, the motion controller may be configured to enable the electrochemical device or material being analyzed to translate and / or rotate, for example by controlling the movement of the sample bed or platform relative to at least one acoustic transducer.

[0060] The motion controller can be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to move relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with multiple degrees of freedom. Therefore, the motion controller can be a multi-axis motion controller. For example, the motion controller can be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to translate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least three degrees of freedom.

[0061] Achieving translation in three degrees of freedom—that is, not limited to translation in the xy-plane—may be advantageous for controlling the z-axis position, thereby enabling repeatable positioning and distance control between the EMAT and the sample under study, whose height and / or thickness may vary. Monitoring the acoustic signal characteristics based on the z-axis height will also correlate with the sample's properties, potentially providing additional information about the sample. Furthermore, when used with a contact acoustic transducer, control relative to the z-axis can also control the pressure applied between the transducer and the sample, which is an important variable for controlling the repeatability of the acquired acoustic signal.

[0062] The motion controller may additionally or alternatively be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least one degree of freedom. As described above, the motion controller may be configured to enable at least one acoustic transducer to rotate, or the motion controller may be configured to enable the sample being analyzed (e.g., the electrochemical device or electrochemical material) to translate and / or rotate. In some examples, the motion controller may be configured to enable both at least one acoustic transducer and the sample being analyzed to rotate.

[0063] In an example where at least one acoustic transducer is coupled to a sensor head, the sensor head can be coupled to a motion controller via a detachable mount, wherein the detachable mount is configured to be coupled to multiple replaceable sensor heads. The multiple replaceable sensor heads may each include at least one different auxiliary sensor and / or a different acoustic transducer. This facilitates mounting multiple acoustic transducers and / or auxiliary sensors onto the same motion controller system, enabling the analysis and detection of electrochemical devices and materials using a range of different types and configurations of transducers. The detachable mount also allows for rapid manual or automatic replacement of the sensor head.

[0064] The motion controller can be configured to detect a sensor head coupled to a detachable mount and, based on the detected sensor head, control the translation and / or rotation of the sensor head relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This facilitates tailoring the motion control of the sensor head relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, including position and orientation, according to the requirements of the sensor and transducer combination within the sensor head. For example, the controller can be configured to control the position of the sensor head to contact the electrochemical device or sample when the motion controller detects that the attached sensor head contains a contact acoustic transducer; conversely, when the motion controller detects that the attached sensor head contains an electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured for non-contact acoustic measurements, the controller can be configured to control the position of the sensor head relative to the electrochemical device or sample to avoid contact.

[0065] The system may also include a resilient biasing structure connected between the motion controller and the acoustic transducer, wherein the resilient biasing structure is configured to bias the acoustic transducer to a first configuration. This helps ensure that the acoustic transducer returns to the same position when it comes into contact with an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. The resilient biasing structure may also be configured to allow movement of the acoustic transducer. This helps prevent damage to the acoustic transducer in the event of a collision with an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and / or allows the acoustic transducer to move to conform to the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material during contact acoustic analysis. In some examples, the resilient biasing structure may be connected between the motion controller and the sensor head.

[0066] The system may also include a force sensor configured to sense indications of forces applied to at least one acoustic transducer. A motion controller may be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material based on the force indications sensed by the force sensor. This may be advantageous for maintaining a constant force between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material in contact sensing scenarios, and / or for preventing damage to the acoustic transducer in the event of contact or collision between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. Preventing damage to electrochemical devices or materials (such as batteries or battery packs) during acoustic analysis may be particularly important, as excessive force or impact may trigger thermal runaway, leading to fire or explosion of the electrochemical device or material.

[0067] In some examples, the system may include an array of acoustic transducers, wherein the distribution of the acoustic transducers within the array allows the array to cover at least a portion of the surface of an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. For example, the sensor head may include an array of acoustic transducers. This can be advantageous for spatially resolved acoustic measurements while reducing the number of locations that a motion controller needs to cover. Multiple transducers within the array can also be configured to operate as a phased array to utilize beam control. This can be advantageous for focusing acoustic energy and improving resolution.

[0068] In some examples, each acoustic transducer includes a pulse receiver configured to cause the acoustic transducer to induce or generate an acoustic waveform and / or receive at least one of the following: (i) a emitted wave and (ii) a reflected wave. In some examples, the pulse receiver can be multiplexed to control and operate multiple acoustic transducers through the same pulse receiver circuitry.

[0069] The acoustic analysis system may also include a distance analysis structure for sensing the relative distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material. The motion controller may also be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer based on the relative distance indication sensed by the distance analysis structure, so as to maintain a constant distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material during non-contact acoustic analysis, or to maintain continuous contact between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material during contact acoustic analysis. This improves the reliability and repeatability of acoustic analysis measurements and / or prevents collisions between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or material. In some examples, the distance analysis structure may include a laser, such as a laser-based distance analysis system; however, those skilled in the art will understand that other distance analysis structures, such as, but not limited to, low-frequency ultrasonic systems, may also be used.

[0070] The acoustic analysis system may also include a miniature quick-acting switch configured to interrupt the motion controller's movement when the force applied to the acoustic transducer exceeds a threshold. This helps prevent and reduce damage to the sensor head (including the acoustic transducer) and to the sample, such as in the event of a collision between the acoustic transducer and an electrochemical device or material.

[0071] Acoustic analysis systems may also include optical sensors for visual inspection of electrochemical devices or materials. Visual defects identified through visual inspection, such as wrinkles on a pouch cell casing, can be correlated with acoustic transducer measurements at the location of the visual defect. This facilitates the association of any unusual or irregular surface features with unusual or irregular acoustic measurements.

[0072] The acoustic analysis system may also include sensors configured to acquire identification information associated with the electrochemical device or material, wherein the identification information is correlated with acoustic transducer measurements of the electrochemical device or material. For example, the sensors may include optical sensors configured to read QR codes, barcodes, or other visual identifiers associated with the electrochemical device or material. Alternatively or supplementarily, the sensors may include short-range wireless receivers configured to read short-range wireless identifiers associated with the electrochemical device or material, such as RFID tags or similar identifiers. Motion controllers may also be configured to control the position and / or movement of the acoustic transducer based on identification information associated with the electrochemical device or material, for example, where the identification information may include information about the test protocol.

[0073] The acoustic analysis system may also include a Hall sensor and / or an eddy current detection probe, wherein the Hall sensor and / or the eddy current detection probe are configured to perform current mapping on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and the current mapping measurements are used to spatially correlate with acoustic transducer measurements of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. Preferably, the current mapping is performed during electrochemical testing of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. The applicant has also found that eddy current systems used for nondestructive testing of metals can also be applied to batteries and battery packs to detect defects.

[0074] The motion controller is preferably configured to enable the Hall sensor and / or eddy current detection probe to rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This may be advantageous because the resulting signal may depend on the orientation of the sensor itself relative to the sample being measured.

[0075] The acoustic analysis system may also include at least one temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material. A temperature sensor can be an important safety feature, as overheating of the electrochemical device or material may indicate battery failure.

[0076] The system may also include a temperature control chamber configured to house an electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis within the housing, wherein the temperature of the temperature control chamber is configured to be controlled based on a temperature indication of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material sensed by at least one temperature sensor.

[0077] The acoustic analysis system may also include an electrochemical testing system configured to test electrochemical devices or materials during acoustic analysis using at least one acoustic transducer. This facilitates obtaining acoustic measurements during electrochemical testing, such as during the cycling of an electrochemical device. For example, in the case of an electrochemical device that is an electrochemical cell or battery pack, the testing system (such as a battery cycler) makes it possible to perform acoustic measurements during the charging, discharging, and / or aging of the cell or battery pack.

[0078] Providing at least one temperature sensor and an electrochemical testing system can have a synergistic effect, as the correlation between temperature measurements and electrochemical testing can further reveal information about the electrochemical device or material. For standard tests (such as EMAT imaging), the battery temperature is expected to remain roughly constant, but during electrochemical testing, the battery temperature is expected to rise by approximately 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, or even more. Measuring temperature changes during electrochemical testing can provide additional information that can also be used to compensate for the effects of temperature changes on acoustic measurements.

[0079] The housing of the acoustic analysis system may also include a sample bed for housing an electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis. The sample bed may also include at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material within the sample bed. This may be advantageous in having at least one static sensor relative to the electrochemical device or material.

[0080] For example, the sample bed may include an array of piezoelectric elements configured to receive, in transmission mode, acoustic signals propagated through an electrochemical device or electrochemical material. This may be advantageous while the piezoelectric element array is configured to receive spatially resolved acoustic signals induced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer in transmission mode, allowing the electromagnetic acoustic transducer to be scanned on the sample surface. Furthermore, or alternatively, the piezoelectric element array may also be configured to provide a temperature measurement array on the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material in the sample bed; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the sample bed may include any suitable temperature sensor array.

[0081] The acoustic analysis system may also include a controller configured to adjust and / or optimize acoustic parameters for acoustic analysis based on acoustic measurements received from at least one acoustic transducer. Optionally, the controller may be configured to further optimize the acoustic parameters based on measurements received from auxiliary sensors (i.e., non-acoustic transducer sensors) within the acoustic analysis system. Optimization of acoustic parameters can be time-consuming and laborious, requiring expertise in the equipment and acoustic techniques used to analyze the sample. Therefore, providing a controller to control and / or optimize acoustic parameters based on information from the acoustic transducer (and optionally, from the other sensors) may help overcome this problem. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust and / or optimize the acoustic parameters based on the identification of key features of the acoustic waveform, wherein the controller may be configured to optimize the acoustic parameters by adjusting at least one acoustic parameter based on a feedback loop and identifying changes in key features of the acoustic waveform until these features are optimized. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust at least one acoustic parameter and monitor changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic waveform. The acoustic parameters can then be optimized based on acoustic parameter values ​​or ranges that minimize the signal-to-noise ratio. The controller can also be configured to perform self-calibration by comparing acoustic waveform variations with parameters of a calibration block with known characteristics. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to adjust and / or optimize the acoustic parameters based on the identification of key acoustic waveform features, wherein the controller can be configured to optimize the acoustic parameters by adjusting at least one of the following: (i) the distance between the transducer and the sample, (ii) the pressure exerted by the z-height on the transducer in contact with the sample, and (iii) the transducer used, for example, by implementing transducer selection. Attached Figure Description

[0082] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary acoustic analysis system for electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials is shown.

[0083] Figure 1B Showing Figure 1A A front view of an exemplary acoustic analysis system.

[0084] Figure 2A A system with acoustic analysis capabilities (such as...) was demonstrated. Figure 1A-1B An exemplary sensor head used in conjunction with an exemplary acoustic analysis system.

[0085] Figure 2B Demonstrated with acoustic analysis systems (such as Figure 1A-1B Another exemplary sensor head used in conjunction with the exemplary acoustic analysis system in the example.

[0086] Figure 3Another exemplary sensor head is shown, such as Figure 2B The sensor head in the middle can be used with an acoustic analysis system (such as...) Figure 1A-1B (Example acoustic analysis system in the example) for use.

[0087] Figure 4 Acoustic analysis systems for electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials (such as...) were demonstrated. Figure 1A-1B A schematic overview of the main components of the exemplary acoustic analysis system shown.

[0088] Figure 5A and 5B A perspective view of an exemplary acoustic analysis system for electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials is shown, which also includes a closed housing. Figure 5A This demonstrates that the system is in an open state, and Figure 5B This demonstrates that the system is in a partially closed state.

[0089] Figure 6 An exemplary acoustic analysis system (e.g., Figure 1 or...) is schematically outlined. Figure 5A and 5B The method of an exemplary acoustic analysis system (as described in the example). Detailed Implementation

[0090] The embodiments of the claims relate to systems and methods for acoustic analysis of electrochemical devices and materials, particularly systems and methods using electromagnetic acoustic transducers and / or motion controllers.

[0091] Figure 1A and 1B An example of an acoustic analysis system 100 for electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials is shown. The electrochemical device or material being analyzed is shown via sample S01.

[0092] The exemplary acoustic analysis system 100 includes a static frame 102 and a sensor head 106, wherein the sensor head 106 is connected to the static frame 102 via a movable frame 103. The static frame 102 may provide a housing configured to accommodate an electrochemical sample S01 for acoustic analysis.

[0093] In this example, the static frame 102 is generally cubic in shape, including multiple horizontal struts 102H and vertical struts 102V, which form a cubic-like structure. The movable frame 103 includes horizontal struts spanning the upper surface of the static frame 102, which are parallel to the front and rear edges of the static frame 102. The movable frame 103 is configured to be movable relative to the static frame 102. Specifically, the movable frame 103 is configured to move between the front and rear edges of the static frame 102, along the side edges of the static frame 102, and parallel to the x-direction.

[0094] The sensor head 106 is connected to the movable frame 103 via a movable sensor base 108. The movable sensor base 108 is designed to move between opposite side edges of the static frame 102, along the horizontal struts of the movable frame 103, parallel to the y-direction.

[0095] In this example, a first belt and pulley system 110 connects the sensor base 108 and the movable frame 103, and a second belt and pulley system 112 connects the movable frame 103 and the static frame 102. The first belt and pulley system 110 is used to translate the sensor base 108 relative to the movable frame 103. The second belt and pulley system 112 is used to translate the movable frame 103 relative to the static frame 102.

[0096] The first belt and pulley system 110 and the second belt and pulley system 112 are both connected to a controller that controls the movement of the sensor head 106. Therefore, the controller is configured to control the operation of the first belt and pulley system 110 and the second belt and pulley system 112, enabling the two systems to work together to move the sensor head 106 in the xy plane, which is parallel to the upper surface of the static frame 102, thereby allowing the sensor head 106 to translate relative to the static frame 102 and the sample bed 104 parallel to the x and y directions.

[0097] In this example, the controller and its associated control circuitry are housed within a control box 120. The controller is configured to control all parts of the system 100. In some examples, the control box 120 also includes a wireless communication interface coupled to the controller, wherein the wireless communication interface is configured to enable the controller and its associated system 100 to be remotely controlled, for example, by a remote computing device communicating wirelessly with the wireless communication interface. In the illustrated example, the control box 120 also includes a display device 122, such as a screen. The display device 122 is configured to display the analysis progress of the system 100 on the sample. Optionally, the control box 120 may be configured to allow a user to control the system 100 interactively; for example, the display device 122 may include a touchscreen, or the control box 120 may further include input devices, such as buttons, to allow the user to control the system 100 by selecting test parameters, etc.

[0098] The acoustic analysis system 100 also includes a sample bed 104. The sample bed 104 includes a plate configured to accommodate the sample S01. In this example, the sample bed 104 is mounted to a static frame 102 via a vertical threaded rod 114. The sample bed 104 is configured to be raised or lowered relative to the static frame 102 parallel to the z-axis, closer to or further away from the sensor head 106. Specifically, the sample bed 104 is configured to be raised or lowered along the threaded rod 114.

[0099] The sample bed 104 is also connected to a controller, which enables the controller to control the translation of the sample bed 104 in the z-direction.

[0100] exist Figure 1A and 1B In the example shown, the acoustic analysis system 100 has a frame system similar to that of a CoreXY or H-bot 3D printer, wherein a sensor head 106 replaces the printer head, allowing the sensor head 106 to translate in the xy plane, while the sample bed 104 can translate in the z direction. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this is merely one example of a suitable frame, and in other examples, other frame configurations, including but not limited to other 3D printer frames, can be used simply by replacing the printer head with a sensor head. For example, Figure 5AThe exemplary acoustic analysis system 600 shown has a frame resembling a "Cartesian" or "linear" printer frame, wherein a sensor head 106 replaces the printer head. For example, the sensor head 106 may be configured to translate in the zy plane using a zy gantry frame 102, while the sample bed 104 may be configured to translate in the x-direction relative to the zy gantry frame, or the zy gantry frame itself may be configured to translate in the x-direction. In other examples, the acoustic analysis system may have a frame system that (i) is configured to move the sensor head 106 according to a polar coordinate system, for example, where the sample bed 104 is configured to rotate, while the sensor head 106 is configured to translate in the z-direction relative to the sample bed 104, for example, resembling a polar coordinate 3D printer frame; (ii) where the sensor head 106 is coupled to a robotic arm driven by two motors, the robotic arm being configured to translate the sensor head 106 in the xy plane and along the z-axis, for example, resembling a selective compliance assembly robot arm. (iii) A SCARA 3D printer frame; wherein multiple arms are connected to a vertical track, and a sensor head 106 is hinged to one end of each arm, enabling the arms to move in a coordinated manner to control the height (z-axis) and position (x-axis and y-axis) of the sensor head 106 relative to the sample bed 104, such as a frame similar to a Delta 3D printer; (iv) including a conveyor belt, for example, providing the sample bed 104 and configured to move the sample S01 along the x-axis, while the sensor head 106 is configured to translate in the z-plane via a gantry frame, robotic arm, or other means, such as a frame similar to a belt 3D printer; or (v) similar to any other suitable 3D printer frame, wherein the sensor head 106 is provided instead of a print head, and the print bed is configured to accommodate an electrochemical device or material. In some examples, the conveyor belt or robotic arm may also be configured to load the sample onto the sample bed and remove the sample after analysis. This could facilitate the automation of analysis, for example, on a production line, a conveyor belt or robotic arm could load sample S01 onto a sample bed, remove sample S01 after analysis, and load a second sample S02 onto the sample bed for analysis, and so on.

[0101] Back Figure 1A and 1B In the example 100 shown, the sensor head 106 includes at least one acoustic transducer. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor head 106 includes at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT).

[0102] Figure 2A , 2BFigures 1 and 3 show more detailed views of two exemplary sensor heads 106 and sensor base 108. The sensor heads 106 are preferably configured to be detachable from the sensor base 108 so that multiple different sensor heads 106 containing different acoustic transducers and / or different auxiliary sensors can be interchanged and reversibly connected to the same sensor base 108.

[0103] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 3, the sensor base 108 includes a plurality of wheels 208. These wheels 208 are configured to engage with a first belt and pulley system 110, thereby allowing the sensor base 108 to move relative to the movable frame 103.

[0104] In this example, the sensor head 106 is positioned below the sensor base 108, so that the sensor head 106 is suspended below the sensor base 108 during use. This arrangement facilitates bringing the sensor head 106 close to the sample S01 during use, while preventing the sensor base 108 from interfering with or obstructing contact between the sensor head 106 and the sample S01.

[0105] Sensor heads 106 are configured to be detachably mounted to sensor bases 108, making them replaceable within system 100. Each sensor head 106 has at least one sensor, such as an acoustic transducer or an auxiliary sensor (i.e., a non-acoustic sensor, such as a temperature sensor, distance sensor, etc.). However, preferably, each sensor head 106 has at least one acoustic transducer (such as an electromagnetic acoustic transducer or a conventional contact acoustic transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer) and at least one auxiliary sensor (i.e., a non-acoustic sensor, such as a temperature sensor, distance sensor, etc.). Thus, sensor heads 106 in system 100 can be replaced depending on the sensor combination required for the analysis. In some examples, the sensor head may comprise multiple interchangeable bases to allow selection of the desired combination of acoustic transducers and auxiliary sensors for a sample or application scenario. A controller may be configured to detect which sensor head 106 is coupled to sensor base 108 and, accordingly, detect which sensors and acoustic transducers are present. The controller is then configured to control the test procedure accordingly based on the replaceable sensor head 106 and the associated transducers and sensors coupled to the sensor base 108.

[0106] The sensor base 108 also includes at least one resilient biasing structure 206, such as a spring, connected between the sensor head 106 and the sensor base 108. The resilient biasing structure 206 is configured to allow movement of the acoustic transducer to prevent damage to the acoustic transducer, electrochemical device, or material upon contact with it. Furthermore, the resilient biasing structure 206 is also configured to bias the acoustic transducer to a first configuration as shown, so that the sensor head 106 returns to the same position upon contact (including collision) with the sample S01.

[0107] The sensor base 108 also includes a distance sensor 204 (e.g., but not limited to laser-based, contact-based, ultrasonic-based, or capacitive distance sensors). The distance sensor 204 is used to determine the distance between the sensor head 106 and the sample bed 104 and / or the sample S01 under study. Although in this example, the distance sensor 204 is connected to the sensor base 108, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the distance sensor 204 may also be optionally connected to the sensor head 106.

[0108] Figure 2A The sensor base 108 also includes a plurality of miniature quick-acting switches (or “microswitches”) 202. These microswitches 202 are configured to be controlled by a controller to interrupt movement of the sensor base 208 when the force exerted on the acoustic transducer exceeds a threshold. This helps to prevent and reduce damage to the sensor head 106, for example, upon collision with the electrochemical sample S01, and to reduce damage to the sample S01. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the microswitches can be replaced by force sensors, or used in conjunction with force sensors.

[0109] Back Figure 1A and 1B In Example 100, the sample bed 104 includes an array of piezoelectric elements (not shown). This array is configured to receive acoustic signals in transmission mode, which are sensed by the sensor head 106. In some examples, the piezoelectric element array in the sensor bed 104 may additionally or alternatively be configured to emit sound waves for conventional contact acoustic analysis, wherein the sample S01 is in contact with the sample bed 104 and the piezoelectric element array. The sample bed 104 may also include at least one auxiliary sensor (i.e., a non-acoustic sensor), such as a temperature sensor array and / or a current sensor.

[0110] Figure 4A general schematic diagram of an exemplary acoustic analysis system 100 is shown, illustrating its various components. The sensor head 106 includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) 406 for non-contact acoustic measurements. In the illustrated example, the sensor head 106 may also include a contact acoustic transducer 408, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for contact acoustic measurements. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the sensor head 106 may include either an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) 406 or a conventional contact acoustic transducer 408.

[0111] An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) 406 is coupled to an EMAT pulse receiver 424. The EMAT pulse receiver 424 is configured to receive emitted or reflected acoustic waves generated by the EMAT 406. The pulse receiver 424 can also be configured to control the EMAT 406 to induce an acoustic waveform within the sample S01 and to control acoustic parameters, such as, but not limited to, at least one of gain, pulse intensity, pulse shape, pulse length, receiver gain, filtering, etc. This can be achieved through communication with a controller 432.

[0112] Similarly, all contact acoustic transducers 408 are coupled to a pulse receiver 428. The pulse receiver 428 is configured to receive emitted or reflected sound waves generated by the contact acoustic transducers 408. The pulse receiver 428 may also be configured to control the contact acoustic transducers 408 to induce sound wave waveforms and control acoustic parameters, such as, but not limited to, at least one of gain, pulse intensity, pulse shape, pulse length, receiver gain, filtering, etc.

[0113] Alternatively, system 100 may include an EMAT converter box 426 (or “EMAT adapter”) instead of an EMAT pulse receiver 424, which is coupled to a conventional acoustic pulse receiver 428. The EMAT converter box 426 allows the pulse receiver 428 to be configured to be used with either the EMAT 406 or any contact acoustic transducer 406.

[0114] The controller 432 is configured to control the position and movement of the sensor head 106 relative to the sample S01. The controller 432 is also configured to control the operation of the acoustic transducers 406 and 408 and any additional auxiliary sensors (i.e., non-acoustic sensors).

[0115] The sensor head 106 in this example includes multiple auxiliary sensors. For example, the sensor head 106 may also include a temperature sensor 410. The temperature sensor 410 may be a non-contact temperature sensor, such as an infrared sensor. Adding a temperature sensor enables accurate monitoring of the temperature of the sample S01 and the test environment. This serves as an additional safety measure to ensure that measurements are performed safely and that the sample S01 does not overheat or heat up too quickly. Temperature maps of the battery can also be created by scanning the surface of the sample S01 using single-point temperature measurements, arranging multiple temperature sensors in an array, or using a thermal imaging camera. Temperature affects the material properties of the sample S01 under study; therefore, temperature mapping can provide important information about the sample S01 along with acoustic measurements. Furthermore, temperature mapping can provide important information about the operation of equipment such as the sample S01 during testing. Although the temperature sensor 410 is shown coupled to the sensor head 106 in this example, those skilled in the art will understand that, alternatively or as a supplement, the system 100 may include at least one temperature sensor not coupled to the sensor head 106. For example, system 100 may include at least one temperature sensor, such as a thermistor or thermocouple, or an array of temperature sensors arranged in sample bed 104. Temperature sensors within sample bed 104 may be advantageous because they can be configured to contact the sample S01 during use.

[0116] System 100 also includes a temperature control element 402, such as a heating element and / or a cooling element. The temperature control element 402 may be connected to the sample bed 104 or located within a sample chamber for containing the sample S01, such as... Figure 5A and 5B The housing 506 is shown. The controller 432 is used to control the operation of the temperature control element 402. This helps to control the temperature of the sample S01 before and / or during acoustic analysis, especially since temperature affects the material properties of the sample S01 under study. The temperature of the temperature control element 402 can be configured to be controlled by the controller 432 based on the temperature indication from the temperature sensor 410, for example, through a temperature control feedback loop to obtain the desired or stable temperature.

[0117] The sensor head 106 may also include a distance sensor 412, such as, but not limited to, a laser-based sensor, a contact-based sensor, an ultrasonic-based sensor, or a capacitive distance sensor. The distance sensor 204 is used to determine the distance between the sensor head 106 and the sample bed 104 and / or the sample S01 under study. The distance sensor 412 may replace or be mounted on the sensor base 108 together with the distance sensor 204. This distance measurement can be used as a safety measure to prevent accidental collisions and impacts between the sample S01 and the sensor head 106. Furthermore, by scanning the surface of the sample S01 with the distance sensor 204, a height profile of the sample S01 under study can be generated through the distance measurement. The height profile can be used to determine the height position of the sensor head 106 during scanning to ensure that the distance between the acoustic transducer and the sample S01 remains constant regardless of changes in the geometry of the sample S01. The height profile of the sample can also be used to determine the dimensions of sample S01 in the xy plane, the height of sample S01 in the z direction, the position and orientation of sample S01 on sample bed 104, and / or the angle at which sample S01 is placed on sample bed 104. The acoustic transducer and / or sensor head can be positioned and / or rotated accordingly to accommodate this situation.

[0118] The acoustic waveforms obtained during acoustic analysis depend on the structure of the sample S01, the material properties of the sample, and the sample thickness. Therefore, by combining the height profile obtained from the distance sensor with the acoustic waveform, and taking into account the influence of the sample thickness, it is possible to obtain more accurate information about the material properties of the sample, which cannot be achieved by ultrasound alone.

[0119] The predicted time of flight of the ultrasound can also be determined by obtaining the height / thickness of sample S01. Furthermore, based on the composition or material of sample S01, more accurate predictions may be possible. This information can be input into an automated optimization subsystem to control acoustic parameters, enabling the system to focus on the desired area, extract only the necessary data, and improve the speed of acquisition and optimization.

[0120] The sensor head 106 may also include an optical sensor 414 for visual inspection of the sample S01. Visual artifacts identified by the visual inspection (e.g., wrinkles on the pouch cell casing) can be configured to be correlated with acoustic transducer measurements at the location of the visual artifact.

[0121] The sensor head 106 may also include a Hall effect sensor 416 configured to detect the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field for current mapping of the sample. Alternatively, the sensor head 106 may include an eddy current sensor 418 configured for current mapping and / or non-destructive defect mapping of the sample, wherein the measurements are spatially correlated with acoustic transducer measurements of the sample. In some examples, the eddy current sensor 418 may be provided by a coil of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406.

[0122] The sensor head 106 may additionally or alternatively include any other sensors 420 to 420N, which are configured to sense the properties or characteristics of an electrochemical device or material.

[0123] Combining readings from multiple sensors allows for the collection of more valuable and accurate data than collecting data individually. This is particularly important when the battery is in operation, as factors such as battery thickness and temperature can affect acoustic readings related to changes in state of charge (SoC) or state of health (SoH).

[0124] Measurement data obtained by auxiliary sensors is acquired through sensor interface 430. The data acquired by sensor interface 430 can be processed locally by controller 432 or sent to remote server 434 (such as a cloud platform) for processing and analysis. For example, sensor interface 430 can be configured to convert signals from sensors (which may be digital or analog signals of varying amplitude and type) into signals that controller 432 can process and understand.

[0125] Processing electronic devices, such as EMAT pulse receiver 424, EMAT adapter 426, pulse receiver 428, sensor interface 430, and controller 432, can be arranged in Figure 1A and 1B The control box 120 shown is located within the enclosure. This is advantageous for protecting the control electronics. For example, the control box 120 may be configured to protect the electronics from electrochemical sample failures during analysis, including, for example, thermal runaway of an electrochemical cell. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, at least part of the processing electronics may be located elsewhere in the system, outside the enclosure 120.

[0126] System 100 also includes an electrochemical testing system 404, such as a potentiostat / galvanostat, or a connection device for connecting system 100 to the electrochemical testing system. Controller 432 is configured to control the operation of the electrochemical testing system 404. The electrochemical testing system 404 allows for detailed study of the sample S01 (such as a battery or battery pack) during its formation, testing, cycling, and / or aging processes, via sensors coupled to sensor heads 106 (including EMAT 406 and / or contact acoustic transducers 408), thereby mapping the acoustic characteristics of the sample S01 in its operational state.

[0127] System 100 can be configured to perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to obtain measurements related to the electrochemical performance of a sample SO1 or battery. Alternatively or supplementarily, System 100 can be configured to employ Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) and / or Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (PITT). However, EIS, GITT, and PITT electrochemical testing techniques typically only provide a single, overall reading for the entire battery or sample, i.e., an average value. By combining these electrochemical testing techniques with spatially resolved acoustic measurements and auxiliary sensor measurements, more information about battery characteristics can be obtained. For example, combining temperature mapping with electrochemical testing provides a deeper understanding of battery operation. Furthermore, combining these techniques with acoustic analysis enables more advanced analysis beyond what is available with current methods, allowing for the mapping of the state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery surface by incorporating electrochemical testing measurements.

[0128] A replaceable sensor head 160 is connected to a controller that controls the movement, position, and orientation of the sensor head 160 relative to the static frame 102 and the sample S01. The electrochemical testing system 404 and all auxiliary sensors are also connected to this controller to ensure that all measurements are precisely correlated based on the time of acquisition and the position of the measurement relative to the sample S01 at the time of acquisition. This close correlation and precise motion control enables the development of new analytical insights and techniques based on the combination of multiple sensors in the system, in many cases providing spatially resolved measurements simultaneously.

[0129] The number and selection of sensors and / or replaceable sensor heads 106 included in each system 100 are designed to be flexible so that the system can be optimized for the analysis and processing required for its intended use.

[0130] Optimizing acoustic parameters can be time-consuming and laborious, requiring expertise in the equipment and the acoustic techniques used to analyze the samples. To address this, the system provides an automated optimization subsystem. This optimization process is based on the identification of key features of the acoustic waveform and adjustments to parameters and transducers until these features are optimized. The system can also be configured to perform self-calibration by comparing changes in the acoustic waveform with parameters of a calibration block included in system 100. For example, the optimization process might be based on at least the identification of a “back-wall echo” or echo signal, which is associated with the ultrasonic signal that passes through the sample and reflects back from the back of the sample. Peaks preceding this “echo” peak are associated with reflections from the layered structures within the sample. Typically, the first echo peak represents the average value across the entire sample, while peaks with lower reflection times (times of flight) originate from the internal structures of the sample. Therefore, the optimization process may depend on which of these structures is of interest in the analysis, allowing for appropriate optimization for different peaks.

[0131] During use, sample S01 is contained in sample bed 104, and system 100 uses electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) 406 to perform non-contact acoustic analysis on sample S01. An exemplary method 600 used is as follows: Figure 6As shown. Method 600 includes acquiring a first acoustic measurement (602) at a first position relative to sample S01 using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406. Then, method 600 includes moving the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 to a second position relative to sample S01 (604), for example, wherein a control signal is sent via a controller to move sensor head 106 relative to sample S01, thereby achieving the movement of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406. Moving the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 may include translating and / or rotating the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 relative to the surface of the electrochemical sample S01 using the controller. Then, a second acoustic measurement (606) is acquired at the second position using the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406. Steps 604 and 606 may be repeated for a series of positions on the surface of sample S01, causing the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 to scan the surface of sample S01 and acquire acoustic measurements at multiple discrete points, thereby acquiring acoustic measurements at multiple spatially resolved positions relative to an array of the surface of sample S01. The resolution of the acoustic scan can be precisely controlled by adjusting the number of sampling points on the surface of sample S01. For most applications and major defects, rapid scanning with relatively low resolution is sufficient to detect most anomalies and defects. Resolution can be significantly improved by increasing the number of acoustic reads acquired on the surface of sample S01 and decreasing the distance between reads. The resolution is limited only by the accuracy of the motion control system that controls the position of the sensor head 106 relative to sample S01.

[0132] For each non-contact acoustic measurement, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 acquires acoustic measurement data by generating a Lorentz force, which is used to induce sound waves in the electrochemical sample S01. For example, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 provides a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field is generated by applying a current to the coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406, and the second magnetic field is generated using a magnet of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406. The first magnetic field is configured to induce eddy currents in the electrochemical sample S01, and the second magnetic field is configured to interact with the induced eddy currents to generate a Lorentz force, which is configured to induce sound waves in the electrochemical sample S01.

[0133] Sound waves propagate through the electrochemical sample S01 and are then measured by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406. Measuring the sound waves involves measuring the induced current and / or potential difference in the receiving coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406, wherein the current in the receiving coil is configured to be induced by non-contact interaction between the sound waves propagating through the electrochemical sample S01 in the presence of a second magnetic field. The receiving coil may be the same as or separate from the coil configured in the first magnetic field, for example, depending on whether the system is configured for transmission mode measurement or reflection mode measurement.

[0134] Specifically, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 can be a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer, wherein the electromagnetic acoustic transducer 406 is configured to induce compression sound waves in the electrochemical sample S01. This can be advantageous because it has been surprisingly found that compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers have achieved better acoustic measurement results in certain electrochemical devices (particularly pouch cells) compared to shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer can be any other electromagnetic acoustic transducer, such as a shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce shear sound waves in an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, including but not limited to radially polarized shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT) or angled shear wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers.

[0135] The EMAT excitation signal can be adjusted by changing its amplitude and frequency. Measurements can also consist of multiple repetitive excitations with different amplitudes. This helps overcome the problem of partial acoustic response saturation. In particular, multiple scans with varying amplitudes can be performed to examine different parts of the electrochemical device structure, thus avoiding signal saturation. Multi-pulse (amplitude) measurements can also provide deeper insights into the overall battery structure.

[0136] Once at least one acoustic measurement result is obtained, method 600 further includes performing signal processing (608) to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical sample S01. Example signal processing methods may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: (i) peak identification; (ii) peak quantization; (iii) multi-peak identification and / or quantization; (iv) total energy measurement; (v) Fourier transform analysis, or equivalent analysis in the spectral domain; and / or (vi) comparative analysis with baseline measurements.

[0137] Ideally, multiple acoustic measurements should be performed at each point. During signal processing, the results of these multiple measurements can be averaged to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This is particularly advantageous for EMAT measurements, as the measurement signal may be relatively weaker compared to traditional contact piezoacoustic measurements.

[0138] Preferably, while performing acoustic analysis according to method 600, electrochemical testing systems (such as battery cyclers) are used to perform electrochemical testing on sample S01. This facilitates obtaining acoustic measurement results of the electrochemical device during its cycling process. For example, in the case of an electrochemical battery or battery pack, the method may also include charging and / or discharging the battery or battery pack using a battery cycler system while performing acoustic analysis. This allows acoustic measurements to be performed during the charging, discharging, and / or aging of the battery or battery pack. The combination of electrochemical testing and acoustic analysis can provide more detailed information about the design, performance, and state of the battery or material under study.

[0139] Figure 5A and 5B A perspective view of another exemplary acoustic analysis system 500 for use in electrochemical devices or electrochemical materials is shown. The system 500 includes a static frame 102 and a sensor head 106, wherein the sensor head 106 is connected to the static frame 102 via a movable frame 103.

[0140] In this example, the static frame 102 includes a gantry with two vertical struts connected by horizontal struts. The static frame 102 is configured to be parallel to the z-plane. The movable frame 103 includes horizontal struts that span the gantry arrangement provided by the static frame 102 and are parallel to the y-axis. The movable frame 103 is configured to move relative to the static frame 102. Specifically, the movable frame 103 is configured to move along the vertical struts of the static frame 102 parallel to the z-direction.

[0141] The sensor head 106 is connected to the movable frame 103 via a movable sensor base 108. The movable sensor base 108 is designed to move between two opposing vertical struts of the static frame 102, along the horizontal struts of the movable frame 103, and parallel to the y-direction.

[0142] In this example, a first belt and pulley system connects the sensor base 108 and the movable frame 103, and a second belt and pulley system connects the movable frame 103 and the static frame 102. The first belt and pulley system is used to translate the sensor base 108 relative to the movable frame 103. The second belt and pulley system is used to translate the movable frame 103 relative to the static frame 102.

[0143] Both the first and second belt and pulley systems are connected to a motion controller. This controller is configured to control the operation of the first and second belt and pulley systems, causing the first belt and pulley system 110 and the second belt and pulley system 112 to work together to move the sensor head 106 in the zy plane, which is parallel to the plane of the static frame 102, thereby enabling the sensor head 106 to move parallel to the static frame 102 and the sample bed 104 in the x and y directions.

[0144] The acoustic analysis system 100 also includes a sample bed 104. The sample bed 104 includes a plate for receiving the sample S01. In this example, the sample bed 104 is mounted on a second static frame 504. The second static frame includes a second horizontal strut arranged perpendicular to the first static gantry frame 102 and parallel to the x-direction. The sample bed 104 is configured to move relative to the second static frame 504 parallel to the x-axis, closer to or further away from the sensor head 106. Specifically, a third belt and pulley system is connected between the sample bed 104 and the second static frame 504. This third belt and pulley system is also connected to a motion controller. The controller is configured to control the translation of the sample bed 104 in the x-direction. Therefore, the third system is configured to cause the sample bed 104 to translate relative to the second static frame 504 under the control of the motion controller.

[0145] System 500 also includes an outer housing 506. In this example, the outer housing includes a base portion 507 and a cover portion 508. Static frames 102 and 504 are connected to the base portion 507 of the housing. In this example, the cover portion 508 is hinged relative to the base portion 507. Figure 5A The image shows the cover portion 508 in an open state relative to the base portion 507, revealing the sensor head 106 and the static frame 102. Figure 5A This shows that the cover portion 508 is in a closed state relative to the base portion 507. In the closed state, the sensor head 106 is configured to be disposed within the outer housing 506.

[0146] The outer housing 506 is beneficial for controlling the sample testing environment, especially for example, achieving temperature control.

[0147] In the example shown, the cover portion 508 also includes a door 509. The door 509 is disposed on the front surface of the cover portion 508, adjacent to the sample bed 104. Figure 5B As shown, when the cover portion 508 is closed relative to the base portion 507, the door 509 can switch between open and closed states. In the open state, the door 509 allows access to the interior of the housing 506 without opening the entire cover portion 506. This can be advantageous, for example, by facilitating the loading of sample S01 into the system 500. The above arrangement also minimizes heat loss during sample loading when a temperature-controlled environment is used within the housing 506. The door 509 also includes a window 510. This can be advantageous because even when the door 509 is closed, the user can still observe the system performing acoustic analysis and other tests within the outer housing 506. While in this example, the window 510 is located on the door 509, those skilled in the art will understand that in other examples, the window 510 may be located in other locations within the outer housing 506, such as the side wall or top wall of the cover portion 508.

[0148] During use, the door 509 is opened under the control of the controller, and the sample bed 104 is positioned to extend through the opening of the door 509. The sample S01 (such as an electrochemical cell) is then loaded onto the sample bed 104. Subsequently, the sample bed 104 and the sample S01 are retracted into the outer housing 506 by the controller for acoustic analysis. The controller then closes the door 509 to seal the test environment. Therefore, the process of loading the sample S01 into the system 500 can be fully automated.

[0149] As mentioned above Figure 6 The controller is subsequently configured to drive the sensor head 106 and the movable frame 103 to perform acoustic analysis and other auxiliary sensing functions.

[0150] As can be understood from the above discussion, the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and include features that can be generalized, deleted, or replaced as described herein and in the claims.

[0151] In the context of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein.

Claims

1. An acoustic analysis system for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, the system comprising: The housing is configured to house an electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis. as well as At least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer is configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing.

2. The acoustic analysis system of claim 1, further comprising a motion controller configured to enable the at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer to translate and / or rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing.

3. An acoustic analysis system for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, the system comprising: The housing is configured to house an electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis. as well as At least one acoustic transducer is configured to perform acoustic analysis on an electrochemical device or electrochemical material; as well as A motion controller is configured to enable the at least one acoustic transducer to translate and / or rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material housed within the housing.

4. The acoustic analysis system according to claim 3, wherein, The acoustic transducer is an electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

5. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4, wherein, The at least one electromagnetic acoustic transducer is configured to perform acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material without using a coupling agent between the electromagnetic acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

6. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The motion controller is configured to enable the at least one acoustic transducer to move relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with multiple degrees of freedom.

7. The acoustic analysis system according to claim 6, wherein, The motion controller is configured to enable the at least one acoustic transducer to translate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least three degrees of freedom.

8. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The motion controller is configured to enable the at least one acoustic transducer to rotate relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material with at least one degree of freedom.

9. The acoustic analysis apparatus according to claims 2 to 8, wherein, The at least one acoustic transducer is coupled to a sensor head, wherein the sensor head is coupled to a motion controller configured to enable movement of the sensor head, wherein the motion controller is a multi-axis motion controller.

10. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein: The at least one acoustic transducer is coupled to the sensor head; and The sensor head is connected to the motion controller via a detachable mounting bracket, wherein the detachable mounting bracket is used to connect to a plurality of replaceable sensor heads, each of which contains at least one different sensor and / or a different acoustic transducer.

11. The acoustic analysis system according to claim 10, wherein, The motion controller is configured to detect the sensor head connected to the detachable mount, and to control the translation and / or rotation of the sensor head relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material based on the detected sensor head.

12. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising an elastic biasing structure connected between the motion controller and the at least one acoustic transducer, wherein, The elastic biasing structure is configured to bias the at least one acoustic transducer to a first configuration to ensure that the acoustic transducer can return to the same position when it comes into contact with the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

13. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, further comprising an elastic biasing structure connected between the motion controller and the at least one acoustic transducer, wherein, The elastic bias structure is configured to allow the acoustic transducer to move to prevent damage to the acoustic transducer when it comes into contact with the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and / or to allow the acoustic transducer to move to conform to the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

14. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims further includes a force sensor configured to sense an indication of a force applied to the at least one acoustic transducer; in, The motion controller is configured to control the position of the acoustic transducer relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material based on the force indication sensed by the force sensor, so as to maintain a constant force between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and / or prevent damage to the acoustic transducer when it comes into contact with the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

15. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an array of acoustic transducers, wherein, The distribution of the individual acoustic transducers within the array enables the array to cover at least a portion of the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material to achieve spatially resolved acoustic measurements.

16. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Each acoustic transducer includes a pulse receiver, wherein the pulse receiver is configured to cause the acoustic transducer to generate an acoustic waveform and / or receive at least one of the following signals: (i) a transmitted wave, and (ii) a reflected wave.

17. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a distance analysis structure configured to sense the relative distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, and in, The motion controller is configured to control the position of the acoustic transducer based on an indication of the relative distance sensed by the distance analysis structure, so as to maintain a constant distance between the acoustic transducer and the electrochemical device or electrochemical material during acoustic analysis, and / or prevent the acoustic transducer from colliding with the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

18. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a miniature quick-acting switch configured to interrupt the motion of the motion controller when a force applied to the acoustic transducer exceeds a threshold.

19. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an optical sensor configured for visual inspection of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, wherein, Visual artifacts on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material identified by visual inspection are used to correlate with acoustic transducer measurements at the location of the visual artifacts.

20. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor configured to acquire identification information related to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, wherein, The identification information is associated with the acoustic transducer measurement results of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

21. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the following: (i) Hall sensor; and / or (ii) Eddy current probe; Used for current mapping of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material, wherein... The current mapping results are used to spatially correlate with the acoustic transducer measurements of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

22. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: At least one temperature sensor is configured to sense the temperature indication of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material; as well as A temperature-controlled chamber is configured to house the electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis within the housing; The temperature of the temperature control chamber is configured to be controlled based on the temperature indication of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material sensed by the at least one temperature sensor.

23. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrochemical testing system configured to test the electrochemical device or electrochemical material during acoustic analysis using the at least one acoustic transducer.

24. The acoustic analysis system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes a sample bed for housing the electrochemical device or electrochemical material for acoustic analysis, and the sample bed also includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material within the sample bed.

25. The acoustic analysis system according to claim 24, wherein, The sample bed also includes a piezoelectric element array configured to receive, in transmission mode, acoustic signals propagating through the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

26. The acoustic analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 25, wherein, The electromagnetic acoustic transducer is a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer.

27. An acoustic analysis method for an electrochemical device or electrochemical material, the method comprising performing acoustic analysis of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer, wherein, The electromagnetic acoustic transducer is configured to perform non-contact acoustic analysis by generating a Lorentz force, wherein the Lorentz force is used to induce sound waves in the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, Acoustic analysis using electromagnetic acoustic transducers includes: The first magnetic field is provided by the electric coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer; The magnet of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer provides a second magnetic field, wherein the first and second magnetic fields are configured to interact to generate a Lorentz force, wherein the Lorentz force is used to induce sound waves in the electrochemical device or electrochemical material; and The electromagnetic acoustic transducer is used to measure sound waves from the electrochemical device or electrochemical material to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, Measuring the sound waves includes measuring the current and / or potential difference induced in the receiving coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer, wherein the current in the receiving coil is configured to be induced by non-contact interaction between sound waves propagating through the electrochemical device or electrochemical material in the presence of a second magnetic field.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, Providing the first magnetic field includes applying a current to the coil of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer, wherein the first magnetic field is used to induce eddy currents on the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material; and The second magnetic field is used to interact with the induced eddies to generate the Lorentz force.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein, Acoustic analysis using the aforementioned electromagnetic acoustic transducer includes: Scanning the surface of the electromagnetic acoustic transducer on the electrochemical device or electrochemical material; and Acoustic analysis is performed on discrete points on the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, Scanning the electromagnetic acoustic transducer includes using a multi-axis motion controller to translate and / or rotate the electromagnetic acoustic transducer relative to the surface of the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein, The sound waves are configured to be measured in a reflection mode relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The coil used to generate the first magnetic field in the electromagnetic acoustic transducer is also used as a receiving coil.

35. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein, The sound waves are configured to be measured in transmission mode relative to the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 35, further comprising signal processing of the received acoustic waves to determine at least one characteristic of the electrochemical device, electrochemical material, or electrochemical substance, wherein, Signal processing includes at least one of the following: (i) Peak identification; (ii) Peak quantization; (iii) Multi-peak identification and / or quantization; (iv) Total energy measurement; (v) Fourier transform analysis, or equivalent analysis in the spectral domain; and / or (vi) Comparative analysis with baseline measurements.

37. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 36, further comprising testing the electrochemical device or electrochemical material using an electrochemical testing system while performing acoustic analysis.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The electrochemical device or electrochemical material is an electrochemical battery, and the method further includes charging and / or discharging the battery using a battery cycler system while performing acoustic analysis.

39. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein, The electromagnetic acoustic transducer is a compression wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer configured to induce compression waves in the electrochemical device or electrochemical material.

40. A computer-readable non-volatile storage medium comprising a program for a computer, the program being configured to cause a processor to perform the method of any one of claims 27 to 39.

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