Battery Gripper Integrating Testing for Assembly Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling battery cells into larger units require multiple tests and measurements, which are typically conducted at different test benches, leading to inefficiencies in time and cost due to the need for multiple test stations and manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A battery gripper with a suction unit that can shift between a gripping position and a measuring position, allowing for immediate testing and measurement of battery cells without interfering with the gripping process, and equipped with various testing and measurement units such as sensors and a contacting unit, enabling all necessary tests to be performed in a single location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate test benches are used for battery cell testing, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but time consumption and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing functions (optical inspection, barcode reading, RFID reading, temperature measurement, electrical testing) into a single integrated battery gripper system. This merging of previously separate test benches into one unified device allows comprehensive battery cell testing to be performed during the gripping and relocation process itself, eliminating the need to transport cells to multiple separate test stations and thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining testing completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The battery gripper is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: gripping the battery cell, transporting it, and conducting various tests simultaneously. The gripper incorporates optical sensors for inspection, barcode and RFID readers for identification, temperature sensors for thermal measurement, and electrical contacts for electrical property testing. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized test benches, reducing handling time and operational complexity
2Reliability
If multiple separate test benches are used for battery cell testing, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but handling complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate testing devices into one integrated battery gripper system. By combining optical inspection sensors, barcode readers, RFID readers, temperature sensors, and electrical testing contacts within a single gripper unit, the system eliminates the need for complex coordination between multiple separate test benches. This integration simplifies the handling process while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform gripping, transporting, and various testing operations with a single unit. This universality reduces the complexity of setting up and managing multiple specialized test benches, as all testing functions are now accessible through one integrated system that moves with the battery cell
3Area of stationary object
If testing units are positioned close to the gripping area, then space is saved, but the gripping process may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The testing units are integrated into the battery gripper in a dynamic configuration where they move together with the gripping mechanism. The sensors and testing contacts are positioned on the gripper body or on movable elements that can be repositioned as needed. This dynamic integration allows the testing units to be close to the gripping area for space efficiency while maintaining operational independence, as the testing functions are activated only when appropriate and do not interfere with the gripping and releasing operations
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
This solution allows for time-saving and cost-effective handling of battery cells by consolidating tests and measurements on the gripper, eliminating the need for multiple test stations and enabling efficient assembly of larger units by performing tests during relocation of battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit (26) with a suction side (28) by means of which the battery cell (30) can be gripped
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a battery gripper, to an associated method and to the use of a battery gripper for gripping and moving individual battery cells (30), having a flange portion (12) for arranging the battery gripper (10) on a robot arm and having a suction unit (26), having a suction side (28), for gripping the battery cell (30), wherein a lifting device (34) is provided, with which, during operation of the battery gripper (10), the suction side (28) is movable out of a gripping position, in which the battery cell (30) is gripped, relative to the flange portion (12) into a measuring position, in which tests and/or measurements are able to be carried out on the gripped battery cell (30).