Apparatus and method for manufacturing secondary battery including horizontal insert unit of electrode assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional vertical insertion method for secondary batteries risks deforming or damaging components like current collectors due to the increasing weight of the electrode assembly, particularly as battery sizes increase.

Innovation Solution

A horizontal insertion method and apparatus are employed, where the electrode assembly and case are mounted horizontally, using supports to prevent deformation by allowing horizontal movement, with mechanisms to guide and separate supports as needed during insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If vertical insertion method is used, then assembly process is simple, but current collector may be deformed or damaged due to electrode assembly weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidcomponent deformation and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical insertion direction by implementing horizontal insertion. The electrode assembly is inserted into the case horizontally rather than vertically, which changes the gravitational load distribution and prevents deformation of the current collector while maintaining assembly feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional vertical insertion to two-dimensional horizontal insertion by changing the insertion direction. This dimensional change allows the electrode assembly to be supported from below during insertion, distributing the weight load and preventing component deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If battery size increases, then energy capacity improves, but electrode assembly weight increases causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capacityVSAvoidelectrode assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of increased electrode assembly weight into a beneficial outcome by changing the insertion direction. The horizontal insertion method allows the weight to be supported by the case structure during assembly rather than hanging vertically, preventing deformation while accommodating larger battery sizes with higher energy capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If horizontal insertion is implemented, then component deformation is prevented, but assembly device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent deformation preventionVSAvoidassembly device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal insert unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the electrode assembly horizontally, guides the insertion motion, and provides structural support during the assembly process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the changed insertion method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4661126A1Apparatus and method for manufacturing secondary battery including horizontal insert unit of electrode assembly

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery involve an electrode assembly being horizontally inserted into a case in a state in which the case and the electrode assembly are placed horizontally in order to prevent deformation of related parts such as a current collector due to the weight of the electrode assembly. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery includes a horizontal insert unit in which a cap plate is assembled and which horizontally inserts a horizontally mounted electrode assembly into an opening of a horizontally mounted case.