Battery Electrode X-Ray Scanning for Fast Shift Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery inspection methods using X-rays are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in detecting positional shifts of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to safety issues due to potential short-circuiting and ignition.
Innovation Solution
A battery inspection device and method utilizing an X-ray source that radiates X-rays to the corners of plate-like electrodes, combined with a light-receiver and displacement means to accurately determine positional shifts by selecting images with the smallest projection width, allowing for rapid inspection of multiple electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays are radiated radially from one point to inspect electrodes, then the inspection can detect electrode positional shifts, but the inspection time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection process into multiple scanning regions (first scanning region and second scanning region) that sequentially inspect different portions of the battery. This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire battery area without requiring a single time-consuming radial scan from one point, thereby reducing total inspection time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic scanning where the X-ray source and detector move relative to the battery along predetermined paths. This dynamic approach replaces static radial scanning with continuous motion scanning, enabling faster coverage of the inspection area while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated movement and data acquisition.
2Measurement precision
If the battery is inspected using conventional X-ray methods, then electrode position can be measured, but the production efficiency is reduced due to long inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning by identifying corner portions of electrodes first, then uses these corner positions as reference points for subsequent electrode position measurements. This preliminary action streamlines the overall inspection process, reducing the time required for complete electrode position verification while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-region scanning approach that systematically moves through different battery sections without redundant scanning. By dividing the inspection into targeted regions and using corner detection to establish reference frames, the system rushes through the inspection process efficiently, minimizing total inspection time while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray inspection is performed on batteries with bent electrode tips, then the inspection system may detect incorrect coordinates, but maintaining accurate position detection remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of corner portions to establish reference coordinate systems before measuring electrode positions. By first identifying the geometric corners of electrodes, the system creates a reliable reference framework that compensates for tip bending, ensuring that subsequent position measurements remain accurate even when electrode tips are deformed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses inspection efforts on detecting corner portions and key reference points rather than attempting to measure every point along the electrode edges. This partial action approach prioritizes detecting the most critical positional information (corners and relative positions) while tolerating some uncertainty in less critical areas, thereby maintaining overall detection reliability efficiently.
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 accurate and efficient inspection of electrode positional shifts in lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of safety hazards by ensuring proper alignment of cathode and anode plates in a short time.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source; a light-receiver capable of receiving X-rays from the X-ray source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2(c)
AI summary
A problem to be addressed by the present invention is to provide a battery inspection device and a battery inspection method that make it possible to inspect the positional shift of the electrode accurately in a short time. The problem is solved by using the inspection method, which is used to inspect the position of a plurality of plate-like electrodes housed generally in parallel in the battery, and by providing the device making such an inspection possible. The inspection method includes the steps of: 1) using an X-ray source disposed so as to be able to radiate X-rays in a direction in which said plate-like electrode extends, a light-receiver configured to receive said X-rays from said X-ray source, and means capable of displacing the relative positions of said X-ray source and the electrode in a direction vertical to the direction in which said plate-like electrode extends, to displace the relative positions of said X-ray source and said electrode in said direction vertical to said direction in which said plate-like electrode extends, and at the same time, substantially continuously take images of all of the plurality of electrodes housed in said battery; 2) selecting the image having the smallest projection width from among said images substantially continuously taken of each of said electrodes; 3) computing the position of each of said electrodes in said battery on the basis of data in said image selected, and; 4) using the computation results as a base to determine whether said battery is acceptable.