Electrode Assembly Alignment Inspection with Oblique Side Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to inspect the alignment quality of internal electrodes in a mono cell due to the lamination of separators on top and bottom surfaces, which obstructs visibility.
Innovation Solution
An alignment inspection apparatus with a camera unit above the electrode assembly and side lighting units that obliquely irradiate light onto both ends of the upper electrode, allowing for the measurement of the distance between the internal electrode tab and the upper electrode, and optionally a low lighting unit to illuminate the bottom surface for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separators are laminated on top and bottom surfaces of internal electrode, then the electrode assembly structure is complete and functional, but the alignment quality of internal electrode cannot be inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment inspection of the internal electrode before the separators are fully laminated onto it. The camera unit captures images of the internal electrode at an intermediate stage of assembly, allowing alignment verification to be conducted before the separators obstruct the view. This enables quality inspection to occur at the optimal moment when the internal electrode is still accessible for observation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If camera unit is positioned above central portion to photograph electrode assembly, then alignment can be inspected, but lighting conditions may be insufficient for clear imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple lighting units at specific locations around the electrode assembly rather than using uniform lighting. Lighting units are strategically placed to illuminate specific regions where the internal electrode and separator interfaces need to be clearly visible. This targeted illumination approach ensures that critical areas receive sufficient light for the camera unit to capture clear images for alignment inspection.
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
Enables precise alignment inspection of internal electrodes by measuring the distance between the internal electrode and the upper electrode, improving the assessment of electrode alignment in mono cells.
Implementation Method 1
a side lighting unit obliquely irradiating light onto both ends of the upper electrode
Implementation Method 2
a camera unit disposed above a central portion of the electrode assembly to photograph and inspect the electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment inspection apparatus for the electrode assembly including a laminate, in which a first separator, an internal electrode, a second separator, and an upper electrode are sequentially laminated, includes a camera disposed above a central portion of the electrode assembly to photograph and inspect the electrode assembly and side lights obliquely irradiating light onto each of both ends of the upper electrode. The side lights are symmetrical to each other with respect to the central portion of the electrode assembly.