Pouch Cell Sealed-Portion Folding for Multi-Angle Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding apparatuses for pouch-shaped battery cells require multiple devices to achieve different folding angles, leading to low process efficiency and high equipment costs, and are prone to folding defects due to the flexibility difference between the middle and edge parts of the wing portion.
Innovation Solution
A sealed portion folding apparatus and method that uses a single apparatus to fold the sealed portion of a pouch-shaped battery cell to 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360°, with independently operable upper folding blocks and blades that adjust to the cell's length, ensuring accurate folding at a fixed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple folding apparatuses are used to achieve different folding angles (90°, 180°, 270°), then the folding precision for each angle is improved, but the device complexity and equipment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple folding functions (90°, 180°, 270° folding) into a single folding apparatus. The folding device includes a folding blade, roller, and pushing mechanism that work together to achieve multiple folding angles sequentially, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses for each folding angle while maintaining folding precision
Solution Approach 2:
The folding apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform different folding operations. The same folding blade and roller mechanism can fold the terrace to 90°, then the roller pushes it to 180°, and finally the pushing mechanism folds it to 270°, making a single device capable of multiple folding angles
2Device complexity
If a single folding apparatus is used to reduce equipment cost, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve accurate folding at various angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folding apparatus employs dynamic mechanisms including a movable roller that can push the folded terrace, and a pushing mechanism that can apply force to achieve the final 270° fold. These dynamic elements allow a single static apparatus to achieve multiple folding angles through controlled motion and force application
3Ease of manufacture
If the wing portion is folded manually or with simple apparatus, then the process is simple, but folding defects occur due to flexibility differences between middle and edge parts
Solution Approach 1:
The folding apparatus applies different forces and pressures to different parts of the wing portion. The folding blade applies pressure along the folding line, the roller provides distributed support and pushing force, and the pushing mechanism applies localized force to ensure proper folding. This localized quality control ensures uniform folding despite variations in material flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealed portion folding apparatus and method for pouch-shaped battery cells, and more particularly to a sealed portion folding apparatus for pouch-shaped battery cells including a lower unit configured to allow a sealed portion to be seated thereon, the lower unit including a lower folding block configured to perform horizontal reciprocation and upward and downward movement, an upper unit located above the lower unit, the upper unit including an upper folding block configured to perform horizontal reciprocation and upward and downward movement and to press the sealed portion so as to be bent to a predetermined angle, a lower folding guide unit located in front of the lower unit, the lower folding guide unit being configured to perform upward and downward movement and to guide the sealed portion so as to be bent to a predetermined angle, and an upper folding guide unit located in front of the upper unit, the upper folding guide unit being configured to perform upward and downward movement and to guide the sealed portion so as to be bent to a predetermined angle, and a sealed portion folding method for pouch-shaped battery cells.