Elastic Press Plate for Pouch Cell Thickness Flattening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pouch-type cells experience thickness defects due to the formation of a raised portion during charging/discharging cycles, which can be exacerbated by negative pressure within the case, leading to increased overall thickness and potential damage to the cell structure.
Innovation Solution
A press plate with an elastic surface, typically made of urethane-based materials, is used to flatten the pouch-type cell by applying a pressure of 4 to 8 kgf/mm², effectively reducing the raised portion without damaging the cell interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rigid press plate is used to flatten the pouch-type cell, then the raising portion can be reduced, but the lead tabs may be deformed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The press plate surface material parameter is changed from rigid to elastic, and the hardness is specifically controlled within 40 to 60 Shore A. This parameter change allows the press plate to exert sufficient pressure to reduce the raised portion while the elastic nature prevents damage to the lead tabs, resolving the contradiction between flatness improvement and component integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The press plate is designed with different material properties in different areas: the surface contacting the pouch-type cell is made of elastic material to protect the lead tabs, while the back surface can be rigid for structural support. This local differentiation of material quality allows the press plate to simultaneously achieve effective flattening and protection of delicate components
2Use of energy by moving object
If negative pressure is applied within the case during charging/discharging, then the cell can operate, but the raised portion increases and thickness uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flattening process using the elastic press plate is performed as a preliminary action after charging/discharging cycles have created the raised portion. This preliminary flattening step corrects the thickness non-uniformity caused by negative pressure effects, allowing the cell to maintain both operational functionality and shape uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure effect that causes the raised portion is converted into a benefit by using the resulting localized deformation as an indicator of where flattening is needed. The elastic press plate then applies pressure specifically to these raised areas, transforming the harmful thickness non-uniformity into an opportunity for targeted correction that improves overall cell flatness
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 press plate effectively reduces the height of the raised portion by 16 μm, maintaining the cell's integrity and preventing deformation of lead tabs, thus ensuring a consistent cell thickness and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the surface facing the pouch-type cell includes at least a portion made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
pressing the pouch-type cell using a press plate to flatten the pouch-type cell, wherein the press plate includes a surface facing the pouch-type cell
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a press plate capable of effectively flattening a pouch-type cell and also a method of manufacturing a pouch-type cell using the same. The press plate for flattening a pouch-type cell includes a surface facing the pouch-type cell, and the surface facing the pouch-type cell includes at least a portion made of an elastic material.