Adjustable-Probe Battery OCV Testing on Automated Conveyors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing open circuit voltage (OCV) test systems for batteries suffer from low automation and detection efficiency, requiring manual intervention and limiting throughput.

Innovation Solution

An automated OCV test device featuring a conveying assembly, code scanning member, and adjustable test probes that allow simultaneous testing of multiple batteries, with adjustable spacing for compatibility with different models, and a secondary conveying line for failed batteries to maintain continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual testing methods are used for OCV testing, then device complexity is low, but automation degree and detection efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation degreeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is divided into multiple functional modules: a conveying assembly for battery transport, a code scanning member for identification, and a test member with multiple test probes for voltage measurement. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the conveying mechanism, enabling automated multi-point testing without requiring a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that automatically transports batteries between the code scanning member and the test member. This intermediary component enables coordination between different testing functions, allowing the system to achieve high automation through a simple mechanical transport link rather than complex direct control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If single probe testing is used, then device complexity is low, but detection efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidtest member complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple test probes are merged into a single test member assembly that can simultaneously contact multiple batteries on the conveying assembly. This combining of multiple testing functions into one integrated component enables parallel testing of multiple batteries, significantly improving detection efficiency without requiring separate testing stations for each battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test probes are arranged in the first direction (conveying direction) to correspond with the spatial arrangement of batteries on the conveying assembly. By organizing probes along the conveying direction rather than perpendicular to it, the system achieves simultaneous multi-point testing while maintaining a compact and simple test member structure.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed probe spacing is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different battery models is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel compatibilityVSAvoidadjustability mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing between adjacent test probes on the test member is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to different battery models with varying dimensions. This dynamic adjustability enables the same test member to accommodate multiple battery types by simply changing the probe spacing, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple specialized test members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If sequential testing of batteries is used, then device complexity is low, but detection efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidconveying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying assembly continuously transports batteries through the testing area, enabling uninterrupted sequential testing. By maintaining continuous motion of the conveying assembly, the system keeps the testing process flowing without idle time, improving throughput. The simplicity of the conveying mechanism ensures that continuous operation does not require overly complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250283948A1Open circuit voltage test device for batteries
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20250283948A1 patent drawing
  • US20250283948A1 patent drawing
  • US20250283948A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An open circuit voltage test device for batteries is provided. The device includes a conveying assembly, a first code scanning member positioned above the conveying assembly, and a test member located downstream of the code scanning member in a first direction. The test member includes multiple test probes, and the spacing between adjacent test probes in the first direction is adjustable. Batteries are conveyed to the test position by the conveying assembly for automated voltage testing. The adjustable spacing between test probes allows alignment with battery positions on the conveying assembly, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple batteries and improving overall testing efficiency.