Electrode Cell Tab Inspection Using Thermal Lead Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inefficient in quickly and accurately detecting partial disconnections in the tabs of electrode cells, leading to productivity issues in battery manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using thermal detection sensors to measure temperature distribution across electrode tabs, identifying disconnections through temperature differences, and a controller to determine cell defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT scanning is used to detect tab disconnection, then detection accuracy is improved, but inspection time increases and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical CT scanning system with a thermal field-based detection system. By applying heat to the electrode cell and measuring temperature distribution changes, the system detects tab disconnections without requiring complex imaging equipment, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from structural imaging (CT scanning) to thermal parameter measurement (temperature distribution). By monitoring temperature changes in the tab region after heat application, the system can quickly identify disconnections based on abnormal thermal patterns, achieving fast and accurate detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If rapid inspection method is implemented, then productivity is improved, but detection accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces heat as an intermediary substance to reveal hidden defects. By applying heat to the electrode cell and observing temperature distribution patterns, the method makes internal tab disconnections visible through thermal signatures, enabling accurate detection without time-consuming imaging procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 and accurate detection of tab disconnections, ensuring high-quality control of electrode cells by identifying and removing defective cells from the manufacturing line.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal detection sensor configured to detect temperature distribution of the plurality of tabs heated by the heat conducted from the lead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4287347B1Apparatus and method for inspecting electrode cell

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus for inspecting an electrode cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may inspect an electrode cell including a plurality of electrodes stacked with a separator therebetween, a plurality of tabs connected to the plurality of electrodes, and a lead bonded to the plurality of tabs. The apparatus for inspecting the electrode cell may include a heater configured to heat the lead; and a thermal detection sensor configured to detect temperature distribution of the plurality of tabs heated by the heat conducted from the lead.