Cell Stack Film Wrapping Before Heat Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing lithium-ion accumulators are inefficient and lack an automated process for wrapping cell stacks with film, which is crucial for enhancing the structural integrity and safety of the accumulators.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automatically wrapping a cell stack with a film, using a film application unit and controlled by a control unit, where the film is applied in an intermediate step before heat treatment, forming a solid block and ensuring precise alignment and welding of the film edges to enhance structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual wrapping methods are used for cell stacks, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but production efficiency and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated wrapping system performs film application autonomously without manual intervention. The device feeds film, positions it around the cell stack, and completes wrapping automatically, eliminating the need for manual wrapping operations while maintaining consistent quality standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wrapping operations with an automated mechanical system. The film application unit uses controlled mechanical feeders, positioning mechanisms, and application heads to deliver and wrap film around cell stacks, substituting human labor with automated machinery.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If film wrapping is performed after heat treatment, then the cell stack is fully formed, but film alignment and wrapping precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm alignment precisionVSAvoidproduction cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The film wrapping operation is performed as a preliminary step before heat treatment. The film application unit wraps the cell stack with film while the stack is still in its initial state, ensuring precise alignment and positioning. This preliminary wrapping maintains manufacturing precision without delaying the overall production cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If automated film application is implemented, then wrapping consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrapping consistencyVSAvoidfilm application unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The film application unit is divided into functional segments: a film feeder mechanism, a positioning system, an application head, and a control unit. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve consistent wrapping results while managing complexity through modular functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated film application unit is designed to handle multiple tasks within a single integrated system: film storage and feeding, precise positioning, wrapping application, and edge sealing. This multi-functionality improves wrapping consistency while avoiding the need for separate devices for each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If film edges are not precisely welded, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidwelding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual welding operations with an automated welding system integrated into the film application unit. The welding mechanism automatically positions and welds film edges with precise control, ensuring strong structural integrity while managing the complexity of the welding process through automation and integration.

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

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

The method and device provide a reliable and efficient process for producing lithium-ion accumulators by ensuring precise film wrapping, enhancing structural integrity and safety, and facilitating automated production.

Implementation Method 1

A method and device for automatically wrapping a cell stack with a film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one heating element that travels along the gate plane with the cell stack and that thermally welds the film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250316748A1Method for producing an accumulator and device for producing an accumulator
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • US20250316748A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316748A1 patent drawing
  • US20250316748A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing an accumulator, having at least one cell stack, which is formed by stacked single sheets. The cell stack is wrapped with a film using a device.