Tape Application Apparatus for Battery Cell Edge Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery packs are prone to current leaks due to metallic parts coming into contact with battery cells, leading to potential short circuits and degradation, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A tape application machine is designed to apply electrically non-conductive tape to the edge portions of pouch-type battery cells, using a nest device to move along a linear rail, a tape application device to dispense and apply the tape, a tape bending device to conform the tape onto opposite sides, and a tape compression device to secure the tape, thereby preventing current leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual or simple automatic tape application is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of tape application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tape application device is divided into multiple independent functional modules: a tape supply unit, a tape application unit, and a compression unit. Each module performs a specific function (tape feeding, tape application, and compression), allowing for precise control of each step while maintaining overall system simplicity. This segmentation enables high manufacturing precision through specialized control of each module without requiring excessive complexity in the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape is pre-cut to the required length and fed through a guide path before application. The tape application unit positions the tape precisely on the battery cell edge before compression is applied. This preliminary positioning and preparation ensures that the tape is applied with high precision and consistency, eliminating variability in the application process.
2Device complexity
If tape application is performed without compression, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of current leak prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is integrated with the tape application unit, combining the functions of tape application and compression into a single coordinated system. The compression rollers are positioned to immediately compress the tape after it is applied to the battery cell edge, ensuring reliable adhesion and current leak prevention without requiring a separate, complex compression system.
Solution Approach 2:
Compression rollers act as an intermediary mechanism between the tape application and the final secured state. The rollers apply uniform pressure to compress the tape onto the battery cell edge, ensuring reliable adhesion. This intermediary compression step guarantees that the tape remains securely in place, preventing current leaks while keeping the overall device design simple.
3Productivity
If tape application is not compressed, then productivity is improved by reducing steps, but manufacturing precision of tape adhesion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tape application and compression processes are performed continuously in a single automated cycle. The tape is fed, applied, and compressed without interruption or manual intervention. This continuous operation maintains high productivity while ensuring that compression is applied to every tape application, guaranteeing consistent adhesion precision across all battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force is pre-programmed and automatically applied immediately after tape application. The system is designed to compress the tape as part of the standard application sequence, ensuring that adhesion precision is maintained without adding manual steps or slowing down the overall productivity of the manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tape application machine and method are provided. The machine includes a nest device that moves along a linear rail from a first position to a second position. The nest device holds a battery cell therein. The machine further includes a tape application device that dispenses electrically non-conductive tape and applies a first portion of the tape on a first side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape bending device that conforms a second portion of the electrically non-conductive tape onto a second side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape compression device that compresses the tape on the first and second sides of the battery cell.