Pouch Cell Gripper With Gap Control for Damage-Free Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell packaging processes, particularly for pouch-type lithium secondary batteries, cause damage to cells during insertion into pouches and are limited in transporting high-weight cells due to vacuum adsorption methods.

Innovation Solution

A cell packaging device with a cell grip unit comprising a first and second member, rollers, and a gap adjusting mechanism to minimize impact during insertion, along with a transport part for precise positioning and orientation, ensuring safe handling and insertion into pouches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vacuum adsorption method is used to transport cells, then cells can be held and transported, but cells are damaged during insertion into pouch and high-weight cells cannot be transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell integrity during transportVSAvoidability to transport high-weight cells

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vacuum adsorption method with a mechanical gripping system. The gripper includes a support part and a pressing part that mechanically clamp the cell between them, providing secure holding and transport capability for cells of various weights without relying on vacuum pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cell insertion guide as an intermediary component. This guide structure facilitates the insertion process by providing a defined path and reducing impact forces, thereby preventing cell damage during the transition from transport to pouch placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If vacuum adsorption method is used to transport cells, then cells can be held in gripper, but cells are damaged during insertion process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell holding capabilityVSAvoidcell damage during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a cushioning mechanism in the form of a spring or elastic element between the pressing part and the cell. This cushioning element absorbs impact forces during insertion, preventing cell damage while maintaining secure gripping during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical gripping system is used instead of vacuum adsorption, then high-weight cells can be transported, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transport high-weight cellsVSAvoidgripper structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gripper into distinct functional segments: a support part that provides stable backing, a pressing part that applies clamping force, and a cell insertion guide that facilitates safe insertion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical gripping system is designed with universal applicability through adjustable pressing force mechanisms and standardized dimensions that can accommodate cells of various weights and sizes, reducing the need for multiple specialized grippers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4372872B1Cell packaging device

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a cell packaging device, and according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell packing device is provided, which comprises a cell grip unit comprising a cell grip part including a first member provided with a roller, a second member disposed opposite to the first member at a predetermined interval to provide an insertion space of a cell, and a gap adjusting part adjusting a gap between the first member and the second member, and a transport part transporting the cell grip unit.