Electrode Tab Inspection Through a Segmented Battery Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to detect electrode tab folding during the manufacturing process of secondary batteries, which can lead to reduced capacity or internal shorts, and are not effective in stacked structures where inspection is obstructed by grippers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a gripper with an exposed area to check for electrode tab defects, employing a visual inspection unit and data processing to determine tab defects by imaging and comparing with reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gripper is used to transfer the unit cell, then the unit cell can be moved to the magazine, but the gripper blocks the view of the electrode tab making defect detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple fingers (first gripper finger and second gripper finger) with a space between them. This segmentation allows the electrode tab to be visible through the gap while the gripper holds the unit cell, enabling simultaneous transfer operation and defect detection without requiring separate inspection steps.
2Reliability
If the electrode tab is completely covered by the gripper for secure holding, then the unit cell can be transferred reliably, but defect inspection cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper fingers are designed with specific local characteristics - they hold the unit cell body securely while leaving the electrode tab region exposed through the gap between fingers. This local quality differentiation allows reliable holding in one area while maintaining detectability in another area simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used after gripper transfer, then defect detection can be performed, but the inspection process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The defect detection function is merged with the transfer operation itself. The imaging device captures images of the electrode tab while the gripper is in the transfer position, combining two functions (transfer and inspection) into one integrated process rather than requiring separate inspection equipment and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper's own structure (the gap between fingers) serves the dual purpose of both holding the unit cell and providing the inspection pathway. The system uses its inherent structural feature for both transfer and detection functions, eliminating the need for additional complex inspection mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy detection of electrode tab folding, ensuring high-quality battery production by identifying and discarding defective units, thereby maintaining battery performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the unit cell is obtained through the gripper by using an imaging device
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting a defect of an electrode tab, is capable of easily detecting whether an electrode tab is folded during a manufacturing process of a secondary battery, and a method of detecting a defect of an electrode tab using the same is disclosed. The system includes a gripper configured to grasp a unit cell including an electrode and to transfer the unit cell to a magazine and a visual inspection system to detect the electrode tab.