3D Printed Edge Sealing for Irregular Lithium Battery Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional edge sealing methods for secondary lithium batteries, such as single and double edge folding, are limited to rectangular shapes and cannot effectively cover irregular or complex battery structures, risking aluminum exposure and short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A method combining glue sealing with 3D printing, where a 3D model of the battery edge is created, and a 3D printer applies edge sealing glue along a simulated path using symmetrically arranged gluing needles, ensuring complete coverage of the battery edge, regardless of shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single or double edge folding methods are used, then the sealing process is simple for rectangular batteries, but the method cannot cover irregular or complex battery structures, risking aluminum exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to different battery shapesVSAvoidsealing completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed trajectory edge sealing method into a dynamic one. The sealing head moves along a simulated 3D path that adapts to the battery's actual edge contour, allowing the sealing process to dynamically adjust to irregular shapes while maintaining complete coverage and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sealing parameters from fixed geometric patterns to variable 3D coordinates based on the battery's actual shape. By using 3D simulation to generate adaptive trajectories, the system modifies the sealing path parameters to match irregular contours, achieving both adaptability and sealing completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If 3D printing technology is combined with glue sealing, then edge sealing of irregular shaped batteries is achieved, but equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to seal irregular shapesVSAvoidequipment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sealing equipment universal by integrating 3D scanning, path simulation, and adaptive sealing capabilities into a single system. The equipment can handle both regular and irregular battery shapes using the same 3D-based approach, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and actually simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and trajectory control systems with a 3D digital simulation and control system. Instead of mechanically adjusting the sealing head for different shapes, the system uses digital 3D modeling to generate adaptive paths, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If spray guns are used for glue application, then the process is simple, but it is difficult to control the amount of glue sprayed and achieve complete coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidglue coverage control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the 3D scanning system first captures the battery's actual edge geometry, then the simulation system processes this data to generate an optimized sealing path that ensures complete coverage. This closed-loop feedback approach provides precise control over glue application while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and path simulation before the actual sealing process. By pre-calculating the optimal sealing trajectory based on the battery's specific geometry, the system ensures precise glue coverage control is achieved before manufacturing begins, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3236509B1Method of edge sealing for secondary lithium battery
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP3236509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3236509B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a method of edge sealing for a secondary lithium battery, including steps of: (1) drawing a 3D model of a battery edge to be edge sealed of a secondary lithium battery, and inputting the 3D model into a 3D printer; (2) positioning the secondary lithium battery to be edge sealed in a 3D printing area, and fixing a relative position of the secondary lithium battery in the 3D printing area; (3) stimulating, by the 3D printer, the battery edge according to the 3D model and setting a printing path;(4) adding edge sealing glue in a printing head of the 3D printer, the printing head moves according to the set printing path and in the meantime performs at least one time of printing, so that printed edge sealing glue covers the battery edge; (5) solidifying the edge sealing glue .The method of edge sealing of the present application, compared with the conventional manner of gluing an adhesive tape, has broader application, which can be applied to batteries of any shape and any mode and make the edge sealing of batteries with irregular edges in large quantities become a reality.