Inclined Electrode Assembly Insertion for Pouch Hinge Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inserting electrode assemblies into pouch-type secondary batteries require complex configurations and can cause stress concentration and deformation in the pouch hinge, leading to potential cracks and placement failures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an articulated robot with a clamping unit to inclinedly insert the electrode assembly through an open space between the upper and lower pouches, reducing the bendable range of the hinge and minimizing stress on the pouch, while allowing flexible insertion without limiting the pouch's open space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrode assembly is vertically dropped into the pouch using conventional methods, then the insertion process is simple, but the hinge part undergoes stress concentration and repetitive bending deformation causing cracks and placement failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion direction from vertical dropping to inclined insertion. The electrode assembly is inserted at an inclined angle through the open space between upper and lower pouches, transforming the force application dimension and avoiding direct vertical impact on the hinge part, thereby reducing stress concentration and bending deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamping unit as an intermediary device that holds the electrode assembly during insertion. This clamping unit guides the electrode assembly through the open space and releases it inside the pouch, preventing direct contact and stress concentration on the hinge part while ensuring accurate placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate complicated configurations are used to prevent placement failure during vertical dropping, then placement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping unit serves multiple functions: it holds the electrode assembly, guides it through the open space at the correct angle, and releases it inside the pouch. This multi-functional design achieves accurate placement without requiring separate complicated configurations for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the holding, guiding, and releasing functions into a single clamping unit integrated with the articulated robot. This merging of functions simplifies the overall device configuration while maintaining precise placement capability through the inclined insertion method.
3Area of stationary object
If the pouch is opened at 180° for electrode assembly insertion, then the open space is maximized, but the hinge part experiences increased stress and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a partial opening angle (less than 180°) of the pouch to create sufficient open space for inclined insertion. This partial action approach provides just enough opening space for the electrode assembly to be inserted at an angle, avoiding the excessive stress and deformation caused by complete 180° opening while maintaining adequate access.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for inserting an electrode assembly, the apparatus including a clamping unit configured to clamp or unclamp the electrode assembly, and an articulated robot including one or more links rotatably connected to each other by joint shafts and configured to mount the clamping unit on a front link. Here, the electrode assembly is inclinedly introduced and accommodated in a pouch through an open space between an upper pouch and a lower pouch. In addition, proposed is a method of inserting an electrode assembly using the above-described apparatus.