3D Electrode Alignment Inspection for Battery Cell Corner Blind Spots

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inspecting electrode alignment in battery cells are limited in detecting abnormalities in non-imaged regions, particularly in corner areas, leading to potential misalignment and performance issues during charging and discharging processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize vision photography and tomography imaging to generate 3-dimensional images of battery specimens, allowing for accurate inspection of electrode alignment and detection of abnormalities across the entire specimen, including corner regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tomography images are obtained by imaging two different points (partial region) of the battery cell, then the electrode alignment can be determined, but abnormalities in blind spots cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode alignment determinationVSAvoidabnormality detection completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D planar imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by performing tomography at multiple rotation angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This multi-angle tomographic approach captures electrode information from different spatial dimensions, eliminating blind spots that exist in single-point imaging and enabling comprehensive detection of abnormalities throughout the entire battery cell volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the battery cell inspection into multiple discrete tomographic measurements taken at different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). Each angular position provides a segmented view of the electrode structure, and these segmented measurements are subsequently integrated to form a complete 3D reconstruction, ensuring no region is missed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If X-ray photography is used to precisely measure electrode positions, then alignment accuracy is improved, but inspection time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode position measurement accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs tomography imaging at multiple predetermined angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) during the inspection process. By pre-planning and executing measurements at these specific angles, the system efficiently captures all necessary spatial information in a structured sequence, reducing overall inspection time compared to arbitrary or exhaustive scanning approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of electrode abnormality inspections, reduces material waste from defective batteries, and minimizes manpower required for maintaining battery production quality.

Implementation Method 1

generating at least one vision photography image by imaging one surface of a specimen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

generating at least one vision photography image by imaging one surface of a specimen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

generating at least one tomography image obtained by tomography of a side in at least one corner region of the specimen based on the at least one vision photography image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray penetration: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4498319A1Method and device for inspecting abnormality in electrodes
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4498319A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498319A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4498319A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments, there may be provided a method for inspecting an abnormality in electrodes, which includes: generating at least one vision photography image by imaging one surface of a specimen in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; generating at least one tomography image obtained by tomography of a side in at least one corner region of the specimen based on the at least one vision photography image of the specimen; generating a 3-dimensional image of the specimen based on the at least one vision photography image and the at least one tomography image; and performing an electrode abnormality inspection on the plurality of electrodes based on the 3-dimensional image, and a device therefor.