Electrode Stack Imaging for Alignment and Separator Lift Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quality inspection methods for pouch-type secondary batteries fail to detect defects such as misalignment of electrodes and lifting of the separator during the electrode stacking process, leading to economic losses due to discarding defective assemblies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a stack table, a fixing part with holes for exposing the stack, and an imaging unit to capture and analyze the alignment of electrodes and separators during the manufacturing process, minimizing separator and electrode lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quality inspection is performed after electrode assembly manufacturing is completed, then the electrode assembly can be thoroughly inspected, but defective assemblies are discarded resulting in great economic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing quality inspection during the electrode stacking process rather than after completion. The imaging unit captures images of the electrode stack at intermediate stages, allowing defects to be detected and corrected before final assembly is completed, thereby preventing economic loss from discarding defective assemblies.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stack is not fixed during pressurizing, then the stacking process is simple, but the stack is distorted or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing only the minimum necessary portions of the stack (through holes) to allow imaging while maintaining the overall integrity and alignment of the electrode stack during pressurizing. This enables quality inspection without requiring complete disassembly or complex fixation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the holes in the stack as intermediaries that allow light to pass through for imaging purposes. These holes serve as mediators between the imaging unit and the electrode layers, enabling optical inspection while the stack remains fixed and aligned during the process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stack is fixed with a solid structure, then the stack is stable, but the imaging unit cannot capture the internal structure of the electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating holes (segmented openings) in the stack structure. These segmented openings allow light to pass through different layers of the electrode stack, enabling the imaging unit to capture internal structure information while the remaining solid portions of the stack maintain its stability and alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting stacking of electrodes of a secondary battery, the apparatus including: a stack table on which a stack including a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes and a separator arranged between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes is placed; a fixing part configured to fix one surface of the stack and including at least one hole for exposing the stack; and an imaging unit configured to capture the stack exposed through the hole.