Laser Joining Pressure System With Localized Pressing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressing systems for laser joining in energy storage devices require individually tailored masks, leading to increased contact force with multiple joining points, and struggle to ensure consistent contact pressure due to manufacturing tolerances, resulting in inefficiencies and quality control issues.
Innovation Solution
A localized pressing system using smaller, movable pressing elements with independent control, allowing for gap-free contact and reduced total contact force, combined with a scanner for rapid laser focus movement, enabling efficient and flexible joining of base plates and storage cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask with spring elements is used to press all storage cells against the base plate simultaneously, then contact is ensured at all joining points, but the contact force increases linearly with the number of joining points and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressing function into multiple independent pressing elements, each responsible for a specific joining point. Instead of using one large mask with spring elements for all joining points, the system employs several smaller pressing elements that can be independently controlled and positioned, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall structure while maintaining reliable contact pressure at each individual joining point.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be dynamically positioned and activated only when needed. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different joining configurations and reduces the number of pressing elements required at any given time, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring consistent contact pressure.
2Reliability
If a large mask is used to cover all joining points, then all parts are pressed together, but the mask must be individually tailored and the contact force increases with the number of joining points
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a single large mask that must be individually tailored for each application, the patent segments the pressing function into multiple small, standardized pressing elements. These modular elements can be independently manufactured and then configured as needed, eliminating the need for custom mask manufacturing while ensuring gap-free contact at each joining point.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are designed as universal, multi-functional components that can be used across different joining applications. Rather than creating specialized masks for each specific configuration, the same standardized pressing elements can be deployed in various arrangements to accommodate different numbers and positions of joining points, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable contact.
3Reliability
If pressing is performed at all joining points simultaneously, then all parts are secured, but the process time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing elements are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing selective activation and deactivation based on the current processing stage. This enables the system to press only the currently active joining point while leaving other pressing elements retracted, thereby maintaining high joining quality through proper contact pressure while significantly improving productivity by avoiding the need to press all joining points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing operation is performed periodically at different joining points rather than continuously at all points. The system activates pressing elements in a sequential or staggered manner, ensuring that each joining point receives adequate contact pressure for quality joining while the overall process moves efficiently through multiple joining points, thereby balancing joining quality with high productivity.
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 reduces mechanical complexity, minimizes idle times, and ensures high-quality joins with reduced material requirements, facilitating cost-effective and rapid production of energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
The two parts are then pressed together and laser-joined, for example, laser-welded, at the joint
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure system (6) for a laser joining system (1) for pressing parts to be joined (storage cell 2, base plate 3) together in the region of a joint (5, 5a, 5b), with - a receptacle (4) for receiving the parts to be joined (2 , 3), - a pressing element (7, 7') for locally pressing the joining parts (2, 3) together in the region of the joint (5, 5a, 5b), - a positioning system for relative positioning of the pressing element (7, 7') and the Receptacle (4) and for pressing the parts to be joined (2, 3) together during the joining process, in particular comprising ▪ a parallel positioning device (8, 8') for positioning the receptacle (4) and the pressing element (7, 7') parallel to one another plane (E) and ▪ an oblique positioning device (9, 9') for relative positioning of the pressing element (7, 7') and the receptacle (4) obliquely, in particular transversely, to the plane (E) and for pressing the parts to be joined (2, 3) during the joining process.