Battery Can Inspection Modules for Multi-Angle Defect Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inspection methods for cylindrical secondary batteries have low accuracy, leading to increased defective rates due to inefficient vision inspection of the can's outer and inner surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that rotates multiple cans simultaneously to obtain images at various angles using a first inspection module, combined with a pinhole inspection module for the inside and a second inspection module for the lower surface, along with a third inspection module employing a mirror to capture comprehensive images of the can's appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional vision inspection method is used for cylindrical secondary battery can, then inspection process is simple, but inspection accuracy is low leading to increased defective rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus is divided into multiple independent inspection modules, each dedicated to inspecting specific surfaces of the can (outer lateral surface, inner lateral surface, lower surface, upper surface). This segmentation allows each module to specialize in capturing specific surface features with optimized lighting and imaging parameters, thereby improving overall inspection accuracy without requiring a single overly complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus inspects the can in multiple spatial dimensions by capturing images of all surfaces (outer and inner lateral surfaces, upper and lower surfaces) rather than relying on a single viewing angle. The can is rotated to 360 degrees during inspection, enabling comprehensive multi-dimensional observation that significantly improves detection accuracy compared to conventional single-angle vision inspection.

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

2Productivity

If single can inspection method is used, then inspection setup is simple, but inspection efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cans are arranged side by side and rotated simultaneously on a shared rotation stage. The inspection modules capture images of multiple cans at the same time, merging the inspection process for several products into a single operational cycle. This significantly improves inspection efficiency and productivity while the modular architecture keeps the overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive multi-angle imaging is implemented, then defect detection accuracy improves, but inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The can is rotated continuously during the inspection process, allowing all inspection modules to capture images of different surfaces simultaneously in a single continuous motion rather than requiring multiple separate inspection cycles. This continuous rotation method maintains high defect detection accuracy across all surfaces while minimizing total inspection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The can is pre-positioned on the rotation stage with all inspection modules aligned before the inspection begins. Lighting conditions and module positions are pre-configured for optimal imaging of each surface type. This preliminary setup ensures that when rotation begins, all imaging occurs in a single continuous action without interruptions or additional time-consuming adjustments.

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

Enhances inspection efficiency by accurately detecting defects on the outer and inner surfaces of cylindrical secondary battery cans, reducing the defective rate through synchronized rotation and multiple lighting combinations.

Implementation Method 1

a first lighting unit may include a plurality of light emitting modules configured to emit light in different directions to inspection positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a pinhole inspection module may be used to obtain an image of the inside of the can for the secondary battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPinhole camera principle: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a third inspection module employing a mirror may be used to obtain an image of the inside of the can

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4269990B1Apparatus for inspecting appearance of can for secondary battery
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ENSCAPE CO LTD
  • EP4269990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4269990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4269990B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a can for a secondary battery, which can obtain an image of the appearance of the can for the secondary battery and determine whether there is a defect. The apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a can for a secondary battery according to the disclosure obtains lateral images of a plurality of cans at once, and generates the lateral image for one can by extracting an area where each can is captured, thereby speeding up the inspection. Further, the lateral images of the can are obtained with light emitted in various combinations, thereby having an effect on improving the accuracy in defect diagnosis.