Power Storage Cell QR Code Layout for Readable Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cylindrical battery design with two-dimensional codes arranged close together often results in both codes being obscured or damaged, making it difficult to read the identification information regardless of the battery's state.

Innovation Solution

A power storage cell with a cell case that includes a first two-dimensional identification code on one surface and a second two-dimensional identification code on a separate surface, positioned such that at least part of the first code cannot be visually recognized when viewing the second code from the front, allowing for easy reading of identification information from either code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If two two-dimensional codes are arranged close together on the battery surface, then the identification information can be provided in a compact manner, but both codes may be obscured or damaged making it difficult to read the identification information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea occupied by identification codesVSAvoidreadability of identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into two separate two-dimensional codes positioned at different locations on the battery. The first code is on the front surface and the second code is on the rear surface, allowing the system to be divided into independent readable units that can function separately if one is obscured or damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where both codes are on the same surface to a three-dimensional arrangement where codes are distributed across different surfaces (front and rear). This spatial dimensionality change ensures that at least one code remains accessible regardless of the battery's orientation or mounting state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If two two-dimensional codes are placed in the same region on the battery surface, then the identification system is simplified, but both codes may be damaged together during disassembly or mounting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of identification systemVSAvoiddamage to identification codes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification codes are segmented and distributed to different physical locations (front and rear surfaces) rather than being clustered together. This spatial segmentation reduces the probability that both codes will be simultaneously exposed to harmful factors such as mechanical damage during assembly or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a backup code in advance by placing the second two-dimensional code on the rear surface. This preparatory measure ensures that if the front code is damaged during assembly or disassembly, the rear code is already in position to provide the identification information, cushioning against the potential loss of readability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the power storage cell is mounted on a module, then the first two-dimensional code may not be exposed to the outside, but having a second code at a different position allows reading from the exposed code

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reading identification informationVSAvoidaccessibility of identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system utilizes three-dimensional spatial distribution by placing codes on different surfaces (front and rear) of the battery. This allows the system to maintain accessibility of identification information regardless of the battery's mounting orientation, as at least one surface will remain exposed to the outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the identification codes from a single-location arrangement to a multi-location arrangement. By varying the position parameter across different surfaces and orientations, the system adapts to different mounting states and ensures that identification information remains accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250087761A1Power storage cell

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

The 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 be able to read the identification information. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided on the outer surface of the cell case spaced apart from the first two-dimensional identification code. The second two-dimensional identification code is configured to be able to read the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided at a position where at least a part of the first two-dimensional identification code cannot be visually recognized when the second two-dimensional identification code is viewed from the front.