Electrode Tab Mark Recognition with Inclined Press Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Thin electrode tabs in secondary batteries are prone to bending or crumpling during manufacturing, leading to irregular light reflection and recognition errors in identification mark readers, making it difficult to track intermediate products.

Innovation Solution

An identification mark recognition device with an electrode tab pressing unit that aligns electrode tabs perpendicular to an identification mark reader, using pressing strings coated with low-friction materials and a controller to control the alignment process, optionally assisted by air injection to pre-align the tabs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrode tabs are left unpressed during identification, then the identification process is simple and fast, but the recognition rate decreases due to bending and crumpling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition rateVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode tab pressing unit performs preliminary pressing action on the electrode tab before the identification mark reader reads the identification mark. This ensures the tab is flat and properly positioned in advance, preventing recognition errors due to bending or crumpling during the identification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing strings coated with low-friction material serve as an intermediary between the pressing unit and the electrode tab. They apply uniform pressure to flatten the tab without causing damage, facilitating proper alignment for identification while minimizing harm to the thin electrode material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrode tabs are pressed to improve alignment, then recognition rate increases, but the electrode tabs may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition rateVSAvoidelectrode tab integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing strings are designed as flexible elements that can conform to the electrode tab surface and apply distributed pressure. This flexible pressing mechanism flattens crumpled tabs without concentrating force at single points, preventing damage to the thin electrode material while achieving proper alignment for identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Air injection is used to pre-align electrode tabs by inflating them slightly, making them more rigid and easier to position correctly before pressing. This pneumatic assistance reduces the pressing force needed, thereby minimizing the risk of damage while improving alignment for identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Strength

If pressing strings are coated with low-friction materials, then electrode tab damage is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode tab integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing strings are coated with materials having low friction coefficients (such as PTFE or silicone). This parameter change in surface properties reduces the friction between the pressing strings and electrode tab, allowing the tabs to slide into proper position during pressing without sticking or tearing, thereby minimizing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the recognition rate of identification marks by ensuring the electrode tabs are properly aligned, minimizing damage and improving traceability in secondary battery manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

an air injection unit configured to inject air to align the electrode tab before the electrode tab pressing unit presses the electrode tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir injection: Jet

Implementation Method 2

pressing strings coated with low-friction materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20250329770A1Identification mark recognition device, identification mark recognition method, and secondary battery manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an identification mark recognition device including: an identification mark reader configured to identify an identification mark on an electrode tab of a unit cell or an electrode assembly; an electrode tab pressing unit configured to press the electrode tab to cause a surface of the electrode tab on which the identification mark is marked to be aligned with respect to the identification mark reader; and a controller configured to control the electrode tab pressing unit and the identification mark reader to allow the identification mark reader to identify the identification mark after the pressing of the electrode tab by the electrode tab pressing unit, and the electrode tab pressing unit is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly. Also disclosed is a secondary battery manufacturing method using the identification mark recognition device and method.