Secondary Cell Inspection with Thermal Plates for Contaminant Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting contaminants in secondary cells, such as lithium-ion batteries, are time-consuming and do not account for temperature variations, leading to inaccurate defect detection and potential safety risks.

Innovation Solution

An inspection apparatus and method that uses thermal plates to maintain a constant temperature between 5° C. and 120° C., combined with pressure measurement and current analysis, to accurately detect contaminants by comparing measured current values with reference values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aging steps are used to detect low voltage defects, then defect detection capability is improved, but inspection time increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the inspection operation immediately after cell assembly, before any aging process. The inspection apparatus detects contaminants and defects in the initial state of the cell, eliminating the need for time-consuming aging steps that were previously required to manifest voltage drops caused by contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-based aging process with an immediate electrical measurement system. By applying a voltage and measuring current through the cell in its initial state, the system directly detects contaminants without waiting for aging-induced voltage changes, substituting a mechanical/time-dependent process with an immediate electrical measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If temperature variations are not controlled, then inspection process simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection process simplicityVSAvoidcurrent measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature parameter during inspection. The thermal plate actively maintains a constant temperature in the inspection zone, ensuring that current measurements are not affected by temperature variations. This allows accurate measurements while keeping the process relatively simple through localized temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid and precise detection of contaminants within secondary cells, reducing the risk of internal short circuits and improving manufacturing efficiency by ensuring reliable current measurements.

Implementation Method 1

each pressing element among the pressing elements comprises a thermal plate comprises a metal stage comprising a network of thermo-regulating elements, the thermal plate being capable of maintaining a constant temperature between the pressing elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260009863A1Apparatus and method for inspecting a secondary cell

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 VERKOR SA

AI summary

An inspection apparatus for inspecting at least one secondary cell includes a fixed support part a movable part; pressing parts that are installed between the support part and the movable part and are freely movable along the main axis, two adjacent pressing parts defining a space for accommodating a secondary cell; and each of the pressing parts has a heat plate configured to maintain a reasonably constant temperature between the pressing parts.