Battery Cell Tab X-Ray Inspection for Folding and Breakage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies are unable to detect defects such as tab folding or breakage in battery cells during the production process, affecting the reliability of battery cells.

Innovation Solution

A detection apparatus comprising an X-ray source, flat panel detector, and carrying platform, with a controller to acquire and analyze detection images, utilizing an integrated X-ray source and defect detection model to identify tab defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect tab defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab defect detection precisionVSAvoiddetection apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical detection systems with an X-ray detection system. The X-ray source emits rays that penetrate the battery cell tab, and the flat panel detector captures the transmitted rays to form images revealing internal defects such as folding or breakage that cannot be detected by external inspection methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface inspection to three-dimensional internal structure detection by using X-ray transmission through the tab. This allows detection of defects within the tab's internal structure that are not visible from the external surface.

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

2Reliability

If comprehensive tab detection is implemented, then the reliability of battery cell detection is improved, but the productivity decreases due to slower detection speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell reliabilityVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs detection early in the production process, immediately after tab formation, allowing defects to be identified before subsequent manufacturing steps. This preliminary detection prevents defective tabs from proceeding through the production line, ensuring reliability without requiring rework or additional inspection stages later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flat panel detector creates a digital copy or image of the tab's internal structure based on X-ray transmission patterns. This digital representation allows for automated analysis and defect identification, enabling comprehensive inspection to maintain high reliability while improving detection speed through image processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If X-ray detection system is used, then the measurement precision for tab defects is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidX-ray source energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the X-ray detection system parameters, including adjusting the X-ray source intensity, exposure time, and detector sensitivity, to achieve the minimum energy required for reliable defect detection. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains high detection precision while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to operate continuously during production, with the X-ray source and detector working in an integrated manner to provide uninterrupted detection. This continuous operation improves overall system efficiency and reduces the energy cost per detection compared to intermittent or batch detection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 comprehensive detection of tab defects, improving battery cell reliability by identifying and removing defective cells, enhancing detection efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source; a flat panel detector, opposite an emission port of the X-ray source... the rays are emitted by the X-ray source, pass through the tab of the battery cell placed on the carrying platform, and are then projected onto the flat panel detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4664101A1Test apparatus for tabs of battery cell, and battery cell production device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4664101A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664101A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4664101A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A detection apparatus for a tab (501) of a battery cell (500) and a production device for the battery cell (500) are provided, belonging to the field of battery technology. The detection apparatus includes an X-ray source (100), a flat panel detector (200), a carrying platform (300), and a controller (400). The flat panel detector (200) is opposite an emission port of the X-ray source (100), the carrying platform (300) is located between the X-ray source (100) and the flat panel detector (200), and the controller (400) is electrically connected and/or communicatively connected to the flat panel detector (200). The controller (400) is configured to acquire a detection image of the tab (501) of the battery cell (500). The detection image is a detection image of the tab (501) acquired by the flat panel detector (200) based on received rays, where the rays are emitted by the X-ray source (100), pass through the tab (501) of the battery cell (500) placed on the carrying platform (300), and are then projected onto the flat panel detector (200). The detection apparatus determines defect information of the tab (501) based on the detection image. The detection apparatus can achieve comprehensive detection of the tab (501).