Power Storage Cell Dual QR Layout for Readable Identification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In cylindrical batteries, the short distance between two-dimensional codes makes it difficult to read identification information, especially when the battery is in a module or during disassembly, as either code may not be exposed or can be damaged.

Innovation Solution

A power storage cell design featuring a first two-dimensional identification code on the outer surface and a second code at a position that does not overlap with the first when viewed from the front, allowing reading of identification information from either code regardless of the cell's state, with the second code being exposed and protected from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If two two-dimensional codes are disposed close together to save space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of reading identification information deteriorates because neither code can be read when both are obscured or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode arrangement complexityVSAvoididentification reading reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into two separate two-dimensional codes positioned at different locations on the battery. This segmentation ensures that if one code is obscured or damaged, the other remains accessible, thereby maintaining identification reading reliability while keeping the overall system simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two two-dimensional codes are positioned at different spatial dimensions and orientations on the battery surface. This dimensional separation ensures that codes are not simultaneously obscured from the same viewing angle, improving the reliability of reading identification information

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

2Ease of manufacture

If two two-dimensional codes are placed in the same region to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because codes may not be exposed when the battery is installed in a module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode placement easeVSAvoidcode accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The codes are segmented and placed at different locations on the battery, ensuring that at least one code remains accessible when the battery is installed in a module, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the battery are assigned different codes with specific positioning characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that codes are strategically placed to remain accessible in various installation scenarios, improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If two two-dimensional codes are positioned close together to reduce space usage, then the area occupied is reduced, but the loss of information increases when one code is damaged and the other is also damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode areaVSAvoididentification information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is divided into two separate codes positioned at different locations, ensuring that damage to one code does not necessarily affect the other, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining compact overall design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual code positioning acts as a protective measure against potential damage. By having codes at different locations, the system is cushioned against information loss that would occur if both codes were in the same vulnerable position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4524814A1Power storage cell
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4524814A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4524814A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4524814A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A power storage cell includes a cell case, a first two-dimensional identification code, and a second two-dimensional identification code. The cell case is configured to be capable of accommodating an electrode body. The first two-dimensional identification code is provided on an outer surface of the cell case. The first two-dimensional identification code is configured to enable reading of identification information. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided on the outer surface of the cell case separately from the first two-dimensional identification code. The second two-dimensional identification code is configured to enable reading of the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided at a position that does not allow visually recognizing at least a part of the first two-dimensional identification code when the second two-dimensional identification code is seen from front.