Elastic Pressure Pads for Uniform Pouch Cell Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cell pressing jigs made of inflexible materials fail to provide uniform pressure and effective outgassing, leading to uneven electrolyte distribution and reduced battery capacity, particularly in areas with beveled surfaces or near terminals.

Innovation Solution

The use of elastic pressure pads, which can be inflatable or made of materials like silicone, with varying thickness and internal structures to adapt to the battery cell's contour, ensuring uniform pressure and efficient gas removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If inflexible pressing materials are used, then structural strength is maintained, but uniform pressure distribution and effective outgassing are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiduniform pressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inflexible pressing materials with flexible pressing elements that can conform to the pouch battery cell surface, including beveled areas and terminal regions. These flexible elements maintain sufficient structural strength while adapting to surface variations to ensure uniform pressure distribution and effective outgassing across the entire cell surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the pressing material from rigid to flexible, allowing the material to deform and conform to the battery cell surface geometry. This parameter change enables the pressing element to maintain contact with uneven surfaces while still providing the necessary pressing force for electrolyte distribution and gas removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If inflexible pressing materials are used, then pressing force can be applied, but outgassing efficiency and electrolyte distribution are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing forceVSAvoidoutgassing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible pressing elements conform to the battery cell surface geometry, allowing pressing force to be effectively transmitted to all areas including beveled surfaces and terminal regions. This ensures complete contact and maximizes outgassing efficiency and electrolyte distribution while maintaining the necessary pressing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies pressing force with enhanced effectiveness in critical areas such as beveled surfaces and terminal regions where outgassing is most challenging. The flexible material allows local adaptation to surface variations, ensuring that pressing force is optimally distributed where it is most needed for effective gas removal and electrolyte penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform pressing is achieved across beveled surfaces, then battery capacity is maximized, but pressing material flexibility is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneous electrolyte distributionVSAvoidmaterial flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible pressing elements that can adapt to the varying geometry of pouch battery cells, including beveled surfaces and terminal areas. This flexibility enables the material to conform to surface variations and deliver uniform pressure distribution, achieving homogeneous electrolyte distribution and maximizing battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, enabling the pressing element to adapt its shape and conform to the battery cell surface. This parameter change allows uniform pressure application across complex geometries, ensuring consistent electrolyte distribution and optimal battery performance.

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

Achieves homogeneous electrolyte distribution and maximizes battery capacity by uniformly pressing all areas, including beveled surfaces and terminal regions, enhancing the battery's service life and performance.

Implementation Method 1

the first and the second pressure pads are made of an elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4661123A1Battery cell pressing jig for manufacturing a battery cell and battery cell manufacturing system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4661123A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661123A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4661123A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery cell pressing jig for manufacturing a battery cell, the battery cell pressing jig comprising: a first pressure pad configured to apply a uniform mechanical pressure to a first main outer surface of a pouch-type battery cell in a direction essentially perpendicular to the first main outer surface; a second pressure pad configured to apply a uniform mechanical pressure to a second main outer surface of the pouch-type battery cell in a direction essentially perpendicular to the second main outer surface, the first and second main outer surfaces of the pouch-type battery cell being opposite each other; wherein the first and the second pressure pads are made of an elastic material. The invention further relates to a battery cell manufacturing system.