Pouch Cell Stacking with Suction Alignment and Damage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cell stacking devices risk damaging pouch-type batteries due to incorrect positioning and lack of fixation during transport and stacking, leading to deformation or damage of the battery cells and misalignment in the cell stack.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell stacking system that includes a stacking device capable of rotating and moving battery cells while mounted, using receiving parts and suction to stabilize them, and employing vision cameras and position sensors to ensure accurate alignment and positioning on a stacking table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fork equipment with V-shaped cell-receiving parts is used to transport battery cells, then battery cells can be transported and stacked, but the sharp edges of the cell-receiving parts may strike and damage pouch-type battery cells when positioning is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell stacking capabilityVSAvoidbattery cell damage from sharp edge impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional V-shaped cell-receiving parts with a suction cup-based receiving structure. The suction cup uses a flexible membrane that conforms to the battery cell surface without sharp edges, eliminating the risk of mechanical impact damage while maintaining the ability to transport and position cells accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a suction mechanism using pneumatic pressure to secure battery cells during transport. By creating a vacuum through the suction cup, the system holds cells firmly without mechanical contact from sharp edges, resolving the contradiction between secure transport and damage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Device complexity

If fork equipment without fixation elements is used, then the structure remains simple, but battery cell positions may change due to vibration or inertia during movement, causing misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefork equipment structureVSAvoidbattery cell alignment in cell stack
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup mechanism provides active fixation during transport, preventing cell position changes due to vibration or inertia. The pneumatic suction force securely holds cells in the correct position throughout the transport and stacking process, ensuring precise alignment without adding complex mechanical fixation elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect battery cell positions and provide feedback to the control system. This enables real-time adjustment of suction force and positioning, ensuring cells remain correctly aligned during transport and are placed precisely on the stacking table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If sequential transport and stacking operations are performed, then the process is simple to control, but production efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol processVSAvoidstacking speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction-based receiving equipment enables continuous operation by maintaining secure cell holding throughout the entire transport and stacking sequence. Multiple cells can be transported and stacked in rapid succession without interruption, as the suction mechanism provides consistent fixation throughout the continuous process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic control of the suction force and equipment movement to optimize both speed and precision. The suction cups can be activated and deactivated at different stages, and the equipment can move at varying speeds while maintaining cell security, enabling high-speed continuous stacking with simple centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables quick and safe assembly of cell stacks without damaging battery cells, ensuring precise alignment and preventing deformation, thereby maintaining the integrity of the cell stack.

Implementation Method 1

a suction part configured to suck the one or more battery cells that are mounted on the receiving part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4718548A1Battery cell stacking system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4718548A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4718548A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4718548A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Provided is a battery cell stacking system comprising: a stacking worktable on which a cell stack including one or more battery cells is manufactured; and a stacking device for stacking the one or more battery cells on the stacking worktable. The stacking device is configured to perform: a first operation of rotating around a rotation shaft connected to the stacking device in a state in which the one or more battery cells are seated; and a second operation of moving toward the stacking worktable to supply the one or more battery cells to the stacking worktable.