Pouch Cell 3D Inspection With Segmented Surface Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting 3-dimensional objects, particularly pouch battery cells, are either complex or provide limited quality assessment, making them unsuitable for comprehensive defect detection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a matrix camera and data processing device with neural networks to analyze image information from pouch cells, segmenting and processing different surface sections with tailored algorithms to detect defects and determine quality indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing inspection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and quality assessment comprehensiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection method segments the pouch cell surface into multiple regions (upper surface, lateral surfaces, corners) and applies different inspection algorithms to each region. This allows comprehensive defect detection while managing computational complexity through targeted processing of specific areas rather than uniform inspection of the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D surface inspection to 3D surface inspection by capturing images from multiple angles and incorporating lateral surface sections. This dimensional expansion enables detection of defects that are not visible from above, improving measurement precision without requiring a completely new inspection system.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive quality assessment is performed, then measurement precision improves, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the inspection task into separate modules for different surface regions (upper surface inspection, lateral surface inspection, corner inspection), the system can process each region independently and efficiently. This segmentation enables comprehensive quality assessment while reducing total inspection time through parallel processing of different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different inspection algorithms and parameters to different regions of the pouch cell based on their specific characteristics. For example, corners are inspected with algorithms optimized for detecting corner-specific defects, while the upper surface uses algorithms optimized for that region. This localized approach improves assessment comprehensiveness without uniformly increasing inspection time across all regions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple inspection algorithms are applied, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing system is segmented into separate algorithm modules, each dedicated to inspecting specific surface regions. This modular architecture allows multiple inspection algorithms to be applied simultaneously without creating a monolithic complex system. Each algorithm can be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device is designed with a universal image acquisition system that can capture images from multiple angles and serve multiple inspection purposes. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity by consolidating functions into a single system rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each inspection task.
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
Enables fast and reliable comprehensive assessment of pouch cell quality by detecting various defects with high accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
image information captured in a matrix manner by means of a matrix camera from light reflected on the upper side of a surface illumination device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for inspecting 3-dimensional objects, for example pouch cells (11, 31, 111), and a corresponding device (1, 101), wherein each object has a substantially pillow-shaped or cuboid-shaped housing with an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side of the housing (12, 112) is composed of at least one upper surface section (13, 113) and a plurality of lateral surface sections (17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129) which run obliquely, parallel or perpendicular to the at least one upper surface section (13, 113) or represent corner sections (125),wherein, for each object, image information captured in a matrix manner from light reflected on the upper side of a surface illumination device is generated by means of a matrix camera in a rest state of the object to be inspected and transmitted to a data processing device (70), wherein the image information captured in a matrix manner comprises light that was reflected from the lateral surface sections, wherein the image information captured in a matrix manner is further processed as a first overall matrix by means of the data processing device, wherein the following steps are further carried out by means of the data processing device (70): • Segmentation of the first overall matrix • Determination of a defect type of a detected defect and/or a severity of a detected defect and/or determination of a quality index which allows an assessment of the quality of the object.