Battery Cell Pick-and-Place with Stationary Table Z-Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Z-stacking apparatuses for secondary battery manufacturing face challenges in productivity due to long operation times, precision issues, and equipment fatigue caused by rapid movement and vibration, which affect the stacking precision and lifespan of battery cell elements.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed stacking apparatus that configures the stack table to remain stationary in the x-axis direction and rotationally reciprocate, using a direct drive motor or cam-typed oscillating type index drive connected to a pivot shaft, with a suctioner and pulley system to maintain precise electrode placement and minimize vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stage moves long distances to reciprocate between individual tables, then the apparatus can stack electrode plates and separators, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy stage between individual tables, the invention inverts the approach by making the electrode plates and separators move with the stage while the stage itself remains stationary. This eliminates the need for long-distance stage reciprocation, dramatically reducing operation time and increasing stacking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the stacking system into a stationary stacking stage and multiple movable individual tables. The individual tables move to deliver materials to the stage, while the stage remains fixed. This segmentation allows parallel material delivery from multiple tables simultaneously, reducing overall operation time.
2Productivity
If the operation speed is increased to reduce working time, then productivity improves, but position precision and stacking precision deteriorate due to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the motion system so that the stacking stage remains stationary while individual tables move, the invention eliminates vibration and noise associated with rapid stage reciprocation. This allows high-speed operation to be maintained without sacrificing stacking precision, as the stationary stage provides a stable platform for precise electrode placement.
3Productivity
If the stage reciprocates rapidly to increase stacking speed, then productivity improves, but equipment fatigue increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transfers the reciprocating motion from the heavy stacking stage to the lighter individual tables. Since the stage remains stationary, it is not subjected to repeated start-stop motions and vibration, significantly reducing mechanical fatigue and extending equipment lifespan while maintaining high stacking speeds through rapid table movement.
4Ease of operation
If the stack table moves in x-axis direction to facilitate electrode transfer, then material handling is simplified, but electrode misarrangement occurs during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the stack table in the x-axis direction, the invention keeps the stack table stationary and moves the individual tables in the x-axis direction to deliver electrodes. This inversion ensures that electrodes are transferred to a fixed reference point, preventing misarrangement while simplifying the overall system control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus for picking and placing battery cell elements, and a high-speed stacking apparatus including the same are proposed. In detail, an apparatus for picking and placing battery cell elements, the apparatus automatically and alternately stacking a cathode plate and an anode plate, which are fed by a cathode plate feeder and an anode plate feeder, in gaps of a separator, which is folded and provided in a zigzag manner, and a high-speed stacking apparatus including the apparatus for picking and placing battery cell elements.