Electrode Assembly Corner Sealing With Non-Contact Hot Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary battery sealing methods cause unintended heat application and physical impact due to direct contact with the sealing block, leading to potential damage and inconsistent sealing quality.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact sealing method using hot air blowers with adjustable temperature, pressure, spray time, and angle to target corner portions of the electrode assembly, minimizing physical contact and allowing adaptive control of sealing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing structure is added to prevent electrolyte leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure integrates the sealing function directly into the existing case body through a groove formed in the case, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. The groove receives an O-ring that seals against the electrode assembly case, combining structural support and sealing functions in one integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the electrode assembly and simultaneously incorporates the sealing groove that prevents electrolyte leakage. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If the sealing structure is integrated into the case, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove dimensions and O-ring cross-sectional diameter are specifically designed to create an interference fit that generates sufficient sealing force. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves effective sealing while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances without requiring excessive precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing groove is designed with specific local geometric features that concentrate sealing pressure at critical interfaces. The groove geometry is optimized to distribute sealing forces appropriately, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining manufacturability with standard precision capabilities.
3Reliability
If the O-ring is pressed by the case during assembly, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the O-ring may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The case structure incorporates a cushioning region with a different material modulus than the main case body. This cushioning zone absorbs assembly forces and prevents excessive stress from being transmitted to the O-ring, protecting it from damage while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed as a composite structure with regions of different material properties - a harder main body for structural support and a softer cushioning region for force absorption. This composite approach allows the case to provide both structural integrity and protective cushioning for the O-ring during assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for sealing an electrode assembly, which includes a plurality of electrodes stacked alternately with a separator therebetween, according to an embodiment of the present invention may include seating the electrode assembly on a nest, and sealing the electrode assembly by spraying hot air toward a corner portion of the electrode assembly. A device for sealing an electrode assembly, which includes a plurality of electrodes stacked alternately with a separator therebetween, according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a nest that supports the electrode assembly, and a hot air blower that sprays hot air toward a corner portion of the electrode assembly to seal the corner portion in a non-contact state. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sealing may be performed in a non-contact method to minimize an impact or damage on a portion other than an object to be sealed or a sealing region, which may be caused by physical contact during the sealing. Moreover, conditions for performing the sealing may be controlled according to situations to adaptively secure the uniform and stable sealing quality.