Battery Module Test Fixture With Perpendicular Cell Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing and assembling battery modules are inefficient, particularly in handling and testing multiple battery cells, as they lack effective mechanisms for reliable electrical contact and precise handling, leading to laborious and error-prone processes.
Innovation Solution
A test fixture with holding structures and contacts that orient battery cells perpendicular to the base plate for reliable electrical contact, combined with an effector system using magnetic or vacuum units for precise engagement and disengagement, enabling automated testing and transfer of battery cells into a battery module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated testing and assembly systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a test fixture with multiple holding structures for simultaneous cell testing, and a separate effector system with multiple effector units for parallel cell handling. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high throughput automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The effector units are designed with universal functionality to selectively engage and disengage different battery cells based on test results. The holder device can accommodate multiple effector units that can be selectively activated, providing multi-functional capability within a single automated system.
2Productivity
If multiple battery cells are tested simultaneously, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The test fixture incorporates multiple independent holding structures, each with its own set of contacts for electrical measurement. This segmentation allows simultaneous testing of multiple battery cells while maintaining isolated measurement circuits for each cell, thereby preserving measurement precision despite increased throughput.
3Ease of operation
If effector units are used for selective engagement, then ease of operation increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The effector units are designed to be selectively engageable and disengageable from the holder device, allowing dynamic configuration of the handling system. This enables the system to adapt its operational complexity to the specific task requirements, providing ease of operation when needed while maintaining simpler configurations for routine 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 efficient, automated testing and assembly of battery modules by ensuring reliable electrical contact and precise handling of battery cells, reducing manual labor and increasing throughput in manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an effector system using magnetic or vacuum units for precise engagement and disengagement
Implementation Method 2
an effector system using magnetic or vacuum units for precise engagement and disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
A test fixture for testing a plurality of longitudinal battery cells includes: a base plate; a plurality of holding structures for holding the battery cells, the holding structures being mounted on the base plate and configured to hold the battery cells with their longitudinal axes being perpendicular with respect to the base plate; and a plurality of contacts arranged on the base plate to electrically contact positive and negative terminals of each of the battery cells.