Pouch Cell Seal Thickness Measurement Using Paired Confocal Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the thickness of the sealing part in pouch-type battery cells are manual, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements, making total inspection impossible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using confocal-sensors to automatically measure the thickness of the sealing part by fixing it in an unfolded state, allowing continuous or discontinuous measurement along its longitudinal direction, and calculating thickness based on distances measured by paired sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are manufactured in a horizontal position on a conveyor belt, then the manufacturing process can be continuous and efficient, but foreign matter such as lint can adhere to the cells during transport, compromising product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the battery cell orientation from horizontal to vertical during transport. The cells are stood upright on their bottom electrodes on the conveyor belt, changing the dimension of orientation. This vertical positioning prevents lint and foreign matter from adhering to the cells while maintaining continuous manufacturing efficiency.
2Productivity
If battery cells are transported horizontally on a conveyor belt, then continuous manufacturing is maintained, but the cells require additional support structures to prevent damage, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is modified to accommodate vertical cell positioning. Instead of horizontal transport with complex support structures, the cells are transported upright on their bottom electrodes, simplifying the support requirements while maintaining continuous manufacturing capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If battery cells are positioned vertically during transport, then foreign matter adhesion is prevented, but the cells require precise positioning mechanisms, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension for cell positioning during transport. By standing cells upright on their bottom electrodes rather than lying horizontal, the system naturally prevents foreign matter adhesion without requiring complex active positioning mechanisms. The vertical orientation itself provides the positioning stability needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sealing process of forming a sealing part on a battery cell, in which an electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch; a transfer process of transferring the battery cell to locate the sealing part between a first confocal-sensor and a second confocal-sensor, which are disposed to face each other; and a measurement process of measuring a thickness of the sealing part through the first confocal-sensor and the second confocal-sensor.