Battery Cell Tab Back Imaging During Cell Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The surface layer of the tab between the body of a bare battery cell and the top cap is prone to breakage during the cell combining process, particularly the tab back facing outward, which is prone to cracking, necessitating online detection for quality assessment in subsequent processes.
Innovation Solution
A detection system and method utilizing a top cap carrying apparatus, cell combining apparatus, and detection apparatuses to flip and extend the anode and cathode tabs, enabling image acquisition and processing to detect defects in the tab backs, with controlled illumination and clamping mechanisms to minimize damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the top cap carrying apparatus supports the top cap during cell combining, then the cell combining operation can be performed, but the tab back is prone to cracking due to bending force
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs image acquisition of the tab back before the cell combining operation completes, allowing potential cracks to be detected early. The top cap carrying apparatus is positioned to allow detection while providing support, enabling preliminary quality assessment before full combining occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The top cap carrying apparatus serves as an intermediary that provides controlled support during both detection and cell combining operations. It allows the tab back to be detected in a supported state while enabling the subsequent combining operation, acting as a mediator between detection requirements and manufacturing process
2Measurement precision
If the top cap carrying apparatus moves to displacement position to extend tabs, then the tab back can be detected, but the tab may be exposed to harmful forces during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The top cap carrying apparatus maintains support positioning during the tab extension movement, providing cushioning protection to the tab back as it moves into the detection position. This prevents excessive bending or damage during the transition while enabling detection access
Solution Approach 2:
The top cap carrying apparatus is designed with movable capability, transitioning dynamically between carrying position and displacement position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both protection during movement and accessibility for detection
3Loss of information
If online detection is performed on tab back, then quality information can be obtained, but the detection system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top cap carrying apparatus serves multiple functions: it supports the top cap during cell combining operation, enables tab extension for detection, and provides positioning for the detection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses image acquisition to create a visual copy of the tab back, allowing quality assessment without physical contact or complex mechanical testing apparatus. This optical copying approach simplifies the detection mechanism compared to physical inspection methods
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system and method for detecting a tab back of a bare battery cell during a cell combining operation are disclosed. The system includes a top cap carrying apparatus, a cell combining apparatus, a first detection apparatus, a second detection apparatus, and a control apparatus. The cell combining apparatus displaces two bare battery cells from a lying state to an upright cell combining state when a top cap is supported. The top cap carrying apparatus moves from a carrying position to a displacement position, enabling the tabs to extend and expose an anode tab back part and a cathode tab back part. The first and second detection apparatuses capture images of the respective tab back parts. The acquired images are processed for use in subsequent operations. This system enables real-time image acquisition of the tab back parts during the combining process, providing comprehensive quality information for the bare battery cell tabs.