Dual Folding Tool Assembly for Faster Pouch Cell Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional folding processing apparatuses for pouch-type battery cells are inefficient, requiring increased transfer time and cycle time due to the need to separate and reposition the folding device, limiting the ability to rapidly fold sealing portions without reducing production quantity.

Innovation Solution

A folding processing apparatus with a dual-tool assembly that includes a first and second folding processing tool, mounted on a transferable plate, allowing for simultaneous forward and reverse direction transfer to fold sealing portions of battery cells without interfering with the cell transfer device, enabling efficient folding and reduced manufacturing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed folding device is used with a cell transfer device, then the folding processing can be performed, but the manufacturing time increases and production efficiency decreases due to the need to separate and reposition the folding device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding device is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable structure that can transfer along with the cell transfer device. The folding tool assembly is mounted on the cell transfer device and moves synchronously with it, eliminating the need for separate repositioning operations and reducing manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The folding device and cell transfer device are merged into an integrated system where the folding tool assembly is mounted on the cell transfer device. This combination allows both transfer and folding operations to occur simultaneously without requiring separate repositioning, thereby improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the folding device is repositioned for each battery cell, then folding can be performed on individual cells, but the operation speed decreases and manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding tool assembly remains continuously positioned over the battery cells during the entire transfer process. The folding device moves synchronously with the cell transfer device, maintaining continuous folding action on each cell without interruption or repositioning, thereby increasing operation speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If a conventional folding device is used, then the sealing portion can be folded, but the device complexity increases due to the need for separate transfer and folding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding device and cell transfer device are combined into a single integrated system. The folding tool assembly is mounted on the cell transfer device, eliminating the need for separate transfer and folding mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4312293A1Folding processing apparatus for sealing part of battery cell, battery cell manufacturing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4312293A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4312293A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4312293A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A folding processing apparatus for battery cells includes a folding tool assembly including a first folding processing tool configured to fold a sealing portion of a first battery cell when the folding tool assembly is transferred forward in a first direction, a second folding processing tool disposed offset from the first folding processing tool and configured to fold a sealing portion of a second battery cell when the folding tool assembly is transferred in a reverse direction opposite to the first direction, and a mounting plate on which the first folding processing tool and the second folding processing tool are mounted; and an assembly transferring tool configured to transfer the folding tool assembly.