Pouch Battery Sealing Fold Structure for Faster Multi-Step Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for folding the sealing part of secondary batteries require multiple processes and significant time, necessitating a more efficient approach.

Innovation Solution

A secondary battery design with a sealing part that rotates at least once using a pair of rollers, incorporating a folding unit with first and second folding members to form multiple sealing surfaces, and a cooling and pressing unit to secure the fold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple separate processes are used to fold the sealing part (pressing, folding at 90°, folding again at 90°, pressing, folding rear end), then the sealing part can be folded to increase adhesion force and strength, but the work process becomes complex and work time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion force and strength of sealing partVSAvoidwork process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate folding and pressing operations into a single integrated folding unit that performs all necessary folding actions (front end at 90°, front end again at 90°, rear end at 90°) and pressing operations simultaneously. This merging of processes reduces complexity while maintaining the required adhesion force and strength of the sealing part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The folding unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple folding operations and pressing operations in one integrated structure. It universally handles both front end and rear end folding, as well as multiple 90° folds, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processes for each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple separate processes are used to fold the sealing part, then the sealing part can be folded to increase adhesion force and strength, but the work time becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion force and strength of sealing partVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate folding and pressing operations into a single integrated folding unit that performs all necessary folding actions (pressing, folding at 90°, folding again at 90°, folding rear end) simultaneously. This merging of processes significantly reduces work time while maintaining the required adhesion force and strength of the sealing part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the sealing part is folded using traditional methods, then adhesion force is increased, but the process requires excessive pressing and folding steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion force of sealing partVSAvoidfolding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate folding and pressing operations into a single integrated folding unit that performs all necessary folding actions and pressing operations simultaneously. This merging dramatically improves productivity by reducing the number of steps while maintaining the required adhesion force through the integrated pressing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The folding unit performs folding and pressing operations in a continuous manner without interruption between steps. The integrated design allows the sealing part to be folded and pressed continuously in one operation, eliminating idle time between separate processes and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The method simplifies the work process and reduces time by effectively folding the sealing part, enhancing adhesion and preventing loosening while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a folding unit (20) that folds the sealing part (122) by pressing the sealing part (122) and rotating the sealing part (122) at least once

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a cooling unit (30) that cools the folded sealing part (122)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

a pressing unit (40) that presses the sealing part (122)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4684942A1Secondary battery, and folding apparatus and folding method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4684942A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684942A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684942A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A secondary battery of the present invention includes a pouch provided with an accommodation part, in which an electrode assembly is accommodated, and a sealing part provided at an end of the accommodation part to seal the accommodation part, wherein the sealing part includes: a first sealing surface bent from the end of the accommodation part in one direction; a second sealing surface bent from an end of the first sealing surface in the other direction; a third sealing surface bent from an end of the second sealing surface in a direction in which the first sealing surface is disposed; and a fourth sealing surface inserted between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface from an end of the third sealing surface.