Battery Cell Inspection Stage for Continuous Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing secondary battery inspection processes are time-consuming due to the supply of batteries to inspection apparatuses, necessitating a more efficient inspection method.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell inspection apparatus and system that includes a cell inspection portion, multiple cell accommodating portions, and a stage with reciprocating parts for simultaneous inspection and handling of battery cells, allowing for continuous inspection and discharge without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single cell accommodating portion is used to supply battery cells sequentially to the inspection portion, then the device complexity is low, but the inspection time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The cell accommodating portion is divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth cell accommodating portions) that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows multiple battery cells to be supplied simultaneously to the inspection portion from different directions, thereby increasing inspection throughput while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the cell supply system by positioning cell accommodating portions not only horizontally but also at different vertical levels. The stage can move in vertical directions to supply cells from upper or lower positions, adding a third dimension to the previously planar supply arrangement. This dimensional expansion enables more parallel supply paths without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements.
2Loss of time
If multiple cell accommodating portions are used to supply cells simultaneously, then inspection time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stage is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: it can supply battery cells from different directions (front, rear, left, right), move in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), and accommodate different cell positions. This multi-functionality allows a single stage structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate supply mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous cell supply from multiple accommodating portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cell accommodating portions are merged into a coordinated system where the stage integrates the supply function from all portions. Instead of having independent supply mechanisms for each accommodating portion, the patent combines them into a unified stage that coordinates their operations, reducing redundancy and simplifying the control system while maintaining the ability to supply cells simultaneously from multiple locations.
3Productivity
If the stage moves continuously to supply cells to different accommodating portions, then productivity increases, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex reciprocating motion
Solution Approach 1:
The stage operates using periodic reciprocating motion between predetermined positions, supplying cells to different accommodating portions in a regular cycle. This periodic action simplifies control compared to continuous complex motion, as the stage follows a repeating pattern of movement between fixed points. The control system only needs to manage the periodic cycle and positioning at predetermined locations, rather than handling continuous variable motion, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell inspection unit for inspecting a cell; a plurality of cell accommodation portions which receive the supply of battery cells from the outside, and are spaced apart from one another with the cell inspection unit therebetween; and a stage which comprises a first portion and a second portion on which the battery cells supplied to the cell accommodation units are arranged, and moves the battery cells supplied to the cell accommodation portions while reciprocating among the plurality of cell accommodation portions, wherein, while the second portion on which the battery cell is arranged is located in the cell inspection unit, the battery cell supplied to a first cell accommodation portion, from among the plurality of cell accommodation portions, is arranged on the second portion, and while the first portion on which the battery cell is arranged is located in the cell inspection unit, the battery cell supplied to a second cell accommodation portion, from among the plurality of cell accommodation portions, can be arranged on the second portion.