Induction Heating for Pouch Battery Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery cell manufacturing processes for pouch type batteries require a two-stage sealing process due to thermal conduction issues, increasing manufacturing time and costs, as the upper end portion takes longer to heat than the side portion, necessitating separate heating members.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell manufacturing apparatus utilizing induction heating coils to generate a magnetic field that simultaneously heats the outer periphery of the pouch type case to a temperature suitable for heat fusion, allowing for simultaneous sealing of the side and end portions, reducing the overall sealing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal conduction heating is used to seal the pouch type case, then the sealing process can be performed, but the upper end portion takes longer to heat than the side portion, requiring separate heating members and increasing manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal conduction heating with induction heating that uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pouch type case. The induction heating device generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive pouch case, converting electrical energy directly into heat throughout the entire perimeter simultaneously, eliminating the time delay between side and upper end heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating device serves as a universal heating source that can simultaneously heat all portions of the pouch type case (side portions and upper end portions) through a single device, replacing the need for multiple separate heating members required by thermal conduction methods.
2Temperature
If separate heating members are used for side portion and upper end portion sealing, then heating can be performed, but the manufacturing cost increases due to equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating device serves as a universal heating source that can simultaneously heat all portions of the pouch type case (side portions and upper end portions) through a single device, replacing the need for multiple separate heating members required by thermal conduction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple heating functions into a single induction heating device. The induction heating coil generates a magnetic field that simultaneously induces eddy currents throughout the entire pouch case perimeter, merging the functions of multiple separate heating members into one integrated system.
3Temperature
If thermal conduction heating is used, then heating can be performed, but the manufacturing time increases due to sequential sealing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal conduction heating with induction heating that uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pouch type case. The induction heating device generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive pouch case, converting electrical energy directly into heat throughout the entire perimeter simultaneously, eliminating the time delay between side and upper end heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating enables continuous simultaneous heating of all pouch case portions during a single sealing operation. The magnetic field continuously induces eddy currents throughout the entire perimeter at the same time, maintaining continuous useful heating action without the sequential delays inherent in thermal conduction methods.
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
This approach shortens the sealing process time by enabling simultaneous thermal pressing and sealing of the pouch type case's outer periphery, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time compared to traditional two-stage processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction heating coils formed by winding an electrical wire at least one time at a position corresponding to the outer periphery to generate an induced current in the outer periphery of the pouch type case
Implementation Method 2
the outer periphery of the pouch type case is induction-heated by a magnetic field generated in the induction heating coils
Implementation Method 3
thermally fusing an outer periphery of a pouch type case by using induction heating
Implementation Method 4
at least two pressing members configured to press both sides of the outer periphery of the pouch type case on which the sealing surplus portion is to be formed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus for forming a sealing surplus portion by thermally fusing an outer periphery of a pouch type case by using induction heating, and the apparatus includes a cradle configured to fix and mount a battery cell; one or more induction heating coils formed by winding an electrical wire at least one time at a position corresponding to the outer periphery to generate an induced current in the outer periphery of the pouch type case on which the sealing surplus portion is to be formed; a power supply configured to supply an alternating current to the induction heating coils; and at least two pressing members configured to press both sides of the outer periphery of the pouch type case on which the sealing surplus portion is to be formed, wherein the outer periphery of the pouch type case is induction-heated by a magnetic field generated in the induction heating coils and up to a temperature at which heat fusion is possible to form the sealing surplus portion.