Battery Cell Thickness Measurement Using Pressurizing Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery cell thickness measuring devices risk damaging cells during measurement, can only measure specific portions, have durability issues, and are unable to perform real-time thickness measurements in continuous production processes.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell thickness measuring device using pressurizing rollers with pressure-sensing films to measure cell thickness in real time, with elastic connections and control parts to determine quality and adjust operations based on measured pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pressurizing plate with a through hole and drop gauge is used to measure battery cell thickness, then the thickness measurement can be performed, but the battery cell may be damaged during pressurization and only the portion at the through hole can be measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness measurement capabilityVSAvoidbattery cell damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement points along the battery cell. Instead of using a single through-hole location, multiple pressurizing rollers are positioned at different locations, allowing thickness measurement at multiple points simultaneously without damaging the cell at any single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical drop gauge system that requires a through hole is replaced with a non-contact or minimal-contact pressure sensing film system. The pressure sensing film measures thickness through pressure distribution without requiring physical penetration or heavy mechanical contact that would damage the battery cell.

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

2Measurement precision

If a drop gauge with a touch portion is used for thickness measurement, then the thickness can be measured, but the touch portion has weak durability and requires frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness measurementVSAvoidtouch portion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensing film is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can withstand repeated use. Instead of a durable but complex mechanical drop gauge, a simpler, less expensive pressure sensing film is used that maintains measurement precision while being more reliable and cost-effective for continuous production environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If the battery cell is measured in a stationary state, then the thickness measurement can be performed, but real-time measurement during continuous movement cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness measurement accuracyVSAvoidreal-time measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one. Pressurizing rollers are positioned along the movement path of the battery cell, and the pressure sensing film captures thickness data at multiple positions as the cell moves through the system, enabling real-time measurement during continuous production without compromising accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If a single through hole is drilled in the pressurizing plate for measurement, then the measurement structure is simple, but other portions of the battery cell cannot be measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement structure simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing plate structure is enhanced to serve multiple measurement functions simultaneously. By incorporating multiple pressurizing rollers at different positions along the battery cell path, the system maintains structural simplicity while achieving universal measurement capability across the entire battery cell surface.

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

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

Enables real-time, continuous thickness measurement of battery cells, ensuring consistent quality by detecting defects and preventing mixing of poor-quality cells, enhancing production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure-sensing film wound around the first pressurizing roller and provided to measure the pressure received from the battery cell while the first pressurizing roller pressurizes the battery cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a first elastic connection member elastically connecting the first fixing block and the first pressurizing roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic connection: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4657007A1Battery cell thickness measuring device and lamination device for secondary batteries, including same
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4657007A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4657007A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4657007A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery cell thickness measuring device related to one example of the present invention comprises a first pressurizing roller installed at a first fixed position on a transfer part, contacting a battery cell when the battery cell during transfer passes the first fixed position, and pressurizing the battery cell in the thickness direction of the battery cell, a first pressure-sensing film wound around the first pressurizing roller and provided to measure the pressure received from the battery cell while the first pressurizing roller pressurizes the battery cell, and a control part calculating the thickness of the battery cell based on the pressure measured by the first pressure-sensing film.