Battery Cell Component Origin Tracing via Surface Footprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to trace the origin of battery cell components without impairing their function or visual appearance, particularly in large batches, and conventional markings are challenging due to complex surface properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using sensor units to capture unique surface structures as footprints, allowing tracing without structural modification, utilizing ultrasonic, optical, and electromagnetic sensors, and optionally a neural network for virtual marking, enabling reliable origin determination through footprint comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional marking methods are used on battery cell components, then traceability is improved, but the visual appearance and functionality of the components are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (footprint) of the component's surface structure instead of applying a physical mark. The sensor unit captures the unique surface characteristics and stores them as image data, enabling traceability without any physical modification to the component's appearance or function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical marking methods (such as stamping, etching, or labeling) with a non-contact optical sensing system. The sensor unit uses light to capture surface structure information, eliminating the need for mechanical contact that would alter the component's physical state.
2Loss of information
If conventional marking methods are applied to battery cell components, then origin tracing is enabled, but the functionality of the components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital replica of the surface structure that preserves all traceability information without requiring physical alteration. The footprint serves as a unique identifier that can be stored and compared later, enabling origin tracing while leaving the component's functional properties unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital representation (the footprint image data) that mediates between the physical component and the traceability system. This intermediary allows origin tracing to be performed on the digital copy without any direct interaction that would affect the physical component's functionality.
3Productivity
If large batch sizes are processed with traditional marking methods, then productivity is improved, but marking accuracy and individual traceability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures a complete digital image of the surface structure for each component in the batch, creating individual footprints that can be stored and compared later. This allows high-speed batch processing without sacrificing individual traceability, as each component's unique surface characteristics are preserved in digital form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the surface structure capture at an early stage in the manufacturing process, before components are assembled or processed further. This preliminary action ensures that the footprint is recorded while the component is still accessible and maintains its original surface characteristics, enabling accurate individual traceability even in large batches.
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
Enables tracing the origin of battery cell components without altering their function or appearance, enhancing reliability and counterfeit protection by using unique surface structure footprints, and facilitating digital tracking and recall management.
Implementation Method 1
Capturing a first footprint indicative of a surface structure of a first intermediate product using a first sensor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for tracing the origin of a battery cell component. It is provided that the surface structure of an intermediate product in the manufacture of a battery cell component is captured and represented in the form of a first footprint. The origin of a battery cell component to be inspected can then be determined by comparing the first footprint with a second footprint, which represents a surface structure of the battery cell component to be inspected. According to the invention, it is avoided that the battery cell component to be inspected needs to be structurally modified for the purpose of permanent marking.