Secondary Battery Side Inspection With Simultaneous Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing secondary battery inspection process is inefficient due to the need for manual handling and individual inspection of completed batteries, leading to increased time consumption.

Innovation Solution

An equipment and method that automates the inspection process by using a loading device, side portion inspecting device, and upper/lower portion inspecting device, which includes elevation units, magnets, and transporting devices to simultaneously inspect multiple batteries, capturing images of their sides and portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual handling and individual inspection of completed batteries is used, then inspection thoroughness is maintained, but inspection time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection timeVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple inspection operations into a single automated inspection device that can inspect multiple batteries simultaneously. The loading device holds multiple batteries in an upright position, and the inspection device inspects side portions of all batteries at once, merging what would otherwise be separate individual inspection operations into one concurrent process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated loading device that uses magnets to hold and position batteries. The elevation unit automatically elevates batteries to inspection positions, and the inspection device automatically captures images and inspects batteries without manual intervention, substituting mechanical automation for manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automated loading device with magnets is used, then handling convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is designed with multiple loading parts that can simultaneously hold and inspect multiple batteries of the same type. The magnets and elevation mechanism serve universal functions for handling different batteries in the same way, allowing the device to process multiple items through a standardized process rather than requiring specialized mechanisms for each battery.

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

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

The equipment significantly reduces inspection time and increases work efficiency by allowing simultaneous inspection of multiple batteries, ensuring accurate and comprehensive evaluation of their side and upper/lower portions.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet attached to the secondary battery, which is loaded on the loading device, when power is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3799189B1Equipment and method for inspecting secondary battery
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3799189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an equipment for inspecting a secondary battery, the equipment comprising a loading device on which a secondary battery is loaded in an upright position, and a side portion inspecting device which inspects a side portion of the secondary battery loaded on the loading device, wherein the side portion inspecting device comprises an elevation unit which lifts the secondary battery loaded on the loading device so as to be withdrawn out of the loading device and allows the secondary battery to return to its original position after a first period of time elapses and a side portion inspecting unit which captures an image of the side portion of the secondary battery, which is withdrawn out of the loading device by the elevation unit, thereby inspecting the side portion of the secondary battery.