Electrode Assembly Optical Inspection for Fast Non-Destructive Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting secondary batteries and electrode assemblies are inefficient, time-consuming, and often require destruction of the battery, leading to waste and safety concerns, while non-destructive methods like X-ray or CT scanning face high costs and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus and method using a laser irradiation unit, illumination unit, and image acquisition unit to inspect electrode assemblies, allowing for simultaneous, automated, and non-destructive quality checks of electrode assemblies, including miswinding, alignment, major diameter, and volume inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used, then inspection thoroughness is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection functions (visual inspection, dimensional measurement, defect detection) into a single integrated apparatus that uses laser illumination and image acquisition systems to perform comprehensive inspections simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between thoroughness and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated optical systems including laser sources, image sensors, and computer processing, enabling high-speed automated inspection that maintains thoroughness while dramatically improving productivity
2Reliability
If destructive inspection methods are used, then reliability of inspection results is improved, but loss of substance and waste deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the electrode assembly using laser illumination and image sensors, allowing inspection of the original object without physical contact or destruction, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical disassembly or destruction methods with non-contact optical measurement systems that use light to detect defects, preserving the inspected object while ensuring inspection reliability
3Measurement precision
If advanced imaging technology is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into functional modules (laser illumination unit, image acquisition unit, processing unit) that can be independently optimized and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through specialized components in each segment
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 rapid, automated, and non-destructive inspection of electrode assemblies, reducing waste and improving safety by minimizing battery destruction and time consumption, while maintaining high inspection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser irradiation unit configured to irradiate the electrode assembly with a beam
Implementation Method 2
an illumination unit configured to irradiate the electrode assembly with light
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for inspecting an electrode assembly, which can perform inspection of an electrode assembly in a short period of time without destruction of the electrode assembly. The inspection apparatus can inspect an electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode, and may include: a laser irradiation unit irradiating the electrode assembly with a laser beam; an illumination unit irradiating the electrode assembly with light; an image acquisition unit obtaining an image of the electrode assembly irradiated with the laser beam or light; and a processor inspecting the electrode assembly based on the obtained image.