Cylindrical Cell Tab Flattening by Axial Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery core kneading methods are inefficient, inconsistent, and prone to damaging the tab during processing, as they require gripping the battery core at both ends and use mechanical kneading with changing force directions.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical cell flattening method and apparatus that involves loading a battery core onto a base, compressing its outer surface to fix it, and applying a constant axial force to flatten the tab, using a series of flattening grooves to ensure stable and efficient deformation without damaging the core.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mechanical kneading with kneading rollers is used to flatten the tab, then the tab can be deformed, but the processing time is long and processing efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab flatnessVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery core is divided into multiple segments along its axial direction, with each segment being independently compressed by separate compression units. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple segments simultaneously, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining consistent flatness across all segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical kneading system with rotating rollers is replaced by a direct compression system where compression units apply axial force directly to the battery core segments. This substitution eliminates the complex rotational motion and gripping mechanisms, reducing processing time and improving efficiency while achieving the same tab flattening effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If kneading heads grip both ends of the battery core to knead the tab, then the tab can be flattened, but the tab may be damaged during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab flatnessVSAvoidtab integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the battery core are treated differently: the tab region is compressed to achieve flatness, while the battery core ends are protected from damage by the compression units. The compression force is locally applied where needed without compromising the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of gripping the battery core ends and applying lateral kneading force, the invention applies compression force directly along the axial direction from the ends toward the tab. This inverted approach ensures the ends are used as stable support points rather than gripping points, preventing damage while achieving tab flattening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If kneading heads are used to flatten the tab, then the tab can be deformed, but the processing quality is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab flatnessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression units can independently adjust compression parameters such as force magnitude, compression speed, and compression duration for different segments. This parameter control ensures consistent processing quality across all battery cores while optimizing processing time through parallel operation

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

The method significantly reduces processing time, improves the flatness and compactness of the battery core tabs, and enhances processing efficiency and quality, while minimizing the risk of damage to the battery core.

Implementation Method 1

a compression unit configured to apply axial compression force to the battery core, causing the tab to deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250030038A1Cylindrical cell flattening method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 GUANGDONG LYRIC ROBOT INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION CO LTD

AI summary

A cylindrical cell flattening method and apparatus are disclosed, which relate to the technical field of cell manufacturing. The cylindrical cell flattening method includes the steps of: loading a battery core onto a base; compressing an outer peripheral surface of the battery core and fixing the battery core; and applying a force to the tabs of the battery core in an axial direction thereof so as to flatten the tabs. The cylindrical cell flattening method and apparatus provided by the present application enables flattening of the tabs of the battery core without colliding with an end surface of the battery core, thus reducing the reject rate during processing.