Cell Module Stacking with Moving Tray and Scratch-Free Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing cell modules in power batteries require longer trays, leading to increased manufacturing costs and production line lengths, as well as potential scratches during the stacking process due to friction between cells and trays.
Innovation Solution
A cell module stacking device with a support mechanism that allows cells to be pressed into a module without direct extrusion on the tray, reducing tray length and costs, and incorporating a tray that moves relative to the rack to transfer the module, minimizing friction and scratches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cells are pressed and stacked on a tray to form the cell module, then the cell module can be transferred through the tray, but the length of the tray is increased accordingly, which increases manufacturing costs of the tray and extends a length of a production line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stacking function from the tray by introducing a dedicated support mechanism. The tray is segmented into only the transfer function, while the support mechanism handles the stacking operation. This separation allows the tray to be shortened to only the minimum length required for transfer, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the cell module transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stacking function from the tray by introducing a separate support mechanism. The support mechanism includes support members that can move relative to each other to accommodate cells during pressing, while the tray is reduced to only the transfer function. This extraction eliminates the need for the tray to be long enough to accommodate both stacking and transfer operations.
2Productivity
If cells are stacked at intervals prior to stacking on the tray, then the stacking process can be performed, but the length of the tray is increased accordingly, which extends a length of a production line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production process into distinct zones: the support mechanism zone for stacking operations and the tray zone for transfer operations. This segmentation allows cells to be stacked at intervals on the support mechanism without requiring the tray to extend through the entire stacking process, thereby shortening the production line length while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cell feeding system and the tray transfer system. It provides a dedicated space for interval stacking operations, allowing cells to be prepared for stacking without occupying tray space, thus enabling the tray to be shorter while maintaining the interval stacking process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the plurality of cells is pressed and stacked on a tray, then the cell module is formed, but friction between cells and trays causes scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cell support function from the tray by introducing a dedicated support mechanism with support members. These support members are specifically designed to hold cells during the pressing operation without causing scratches, separating the support function from the tray's transfer function. This eliminates the harmful friction effect while maintaining cell module formation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediaries between the pressing mechanism and the cells during the stacking process. They provide a controlled interface that supports cells without causing the friction-induced scratches that occur when cells slide on the tray during traditional stacking operations.
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
This solution shortens the tray length, reduces manufacturing costs, improves production efficiency, and prevents scratches by eliminating direct cell-tray friction during transfer, while allowing for more efficient use of production line space.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing mechanism connected to the rack, a part of the pressing mechanism is movable in an axial direction of the support mechanism, and the pressing mechanism is configured to press the plurality of cells into a cell module
Implementation Method 2
the tray is movable relative to the rack, the tray is configured to support the cell module... scratches caused by sliding of the cell module on the tray can be effectively prevented
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cell module stacking device and a cell module stacking method. The stacking device for the cell module includes a rack, a support mechanism, a pressing mechanism, and a tray. The support mechanism is configured to support a plurality of cells. The pressing mechanism is connected to the rack. A part of the pressing mechanism is movable in an axial direction of the support mechanism. The pressing mechanism is configured to press the plurality of cells into a cell module. The tray is disposed on the rack in such a manner that the tray is movable relative to the rack and is configured to support the cell module.