Vision-Guided Battery Module Bonding for Parallel Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery module assembly apparatuses face challenges in productivity due to limited scanning capabilities, difficulty in connecting cylindrical battery cells to busbars, and inability to handle battery modules with varying dimensions, leading to low efficiency and precision in bonding operations.

Innovation Solution

A battery module assembly apparatus with multiple bonding units and vision units for precise scanning, along with a height adjustment mechanism to accommodate varying cell dimensions, enabling simultaneous and accurate bonding of battery cells to busbars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple battery modules are assembled one by one in sequence, then assembly precision can be maintained, but productivity is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module assembly process is segmented into multiple independent assembly stations (first assembly station, second assembly station, third assembly station) that operate in parallel. Each station handles a specific assembly task simultaneously, allowing multiple battery modules to be assembled at the same time rather than sequentially, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining assembly precision through specialized station design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery modules and support beams are pre-positioned on the assembly fixture before the assembly process begins. The fixture is configured in advance with the correct arrangement of components, and the assembly stations are prepared with necessary tools and components. This preliminary preparation eliminates setup time during actual assembly and enables continuous high-speed production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If battery modules are assembled individually, then quality control is easier, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly throughputVSAvoidassembly system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex assembly system is divided into multiple independent assembly stations, each responsible for a specific assembly function. This segmentation allows the overall complex task to be broken down into manageable sub-tasks that can be performed in parallel, increasing throughput while maintaining controllable complexity at each individual station

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly fixture is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple battery modules and support beams simultaneously. The fixture structure provides multi-functional support including positioning, clamping, and alignment capabilities that work across all assembly stations, reducing the need for multiple specialized fixtures and managing system complexity through standardization

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

3Productivity

If sequential assembly is used, then equipment cost is lower, but production efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly apparatus is segmented into multiple independent but coordinated assembly stations that can function semi-autonomously. Each station has its own positioning and assembly mechanisms, allowing them to operate in parallel with minimal inter-station coordination complexity. This segmentation enables high productivity while managing overall system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from one-dimensional sequential assembly to two-dimensional parallel assembly by arranging multiple assembly stations side-by-side on the fixture. This dimensional change allows multiple battery modules to be assembled simultaneously across the width of the fixture, dramatically improving productivity without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual assembly mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4297170B1Battery module assembly apparatus with improved productivity and assembly method using the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4297170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4297170B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4297170B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery module assembly apparatus with improved productivity and an assembly method using the same, more particularly a battery module assembly apparatus including a transfer unit (200) configured to move a battery module (100) having a cylindrical battery cell (120) received therein seated in a module carrier (220), a vision unit (300) configured to check position information of the battery module (100) and the module carrier (220), and a bonding unit (400) configured to electrically connect an electrode of the cylindrical battery cell (120) received in the battery module (100) to a busbar (130), wherein the bonding unit (400) includes one or more bonding units, and the position information checked from the vision unit (300) is transmitted to the bonding unit (400), and an assembly method using the same.