Pouch Cell Formation Pressing Structure for Gas Pocket Swelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The swelling phenomenon between the body and gas pocket of pouch-type secondary batteries during the formation process leads to insulation voltage defects due to exposure of the metal layer, which is not effectively addressed by existing charging and discharging devices.

Innovation Solution

A device for charging and discharging battery cells that includes first and second plates with pressing blocks arranged between the body and gas pocket, featuring elastic pressing members and grippers to stabilize the battery cell and prevent swelling, while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If gas pocket is sufficiently expanded during formation process, then gas collection capability is improved, but internal pressure increases and adhesive layer breaks causing swelling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas collection capacityVSAvoidadhesive layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing blocks are strategically positioned only in the region between the battery cell body and gas pocket, applying localized pressure precisely where needed to prevent adhesive layer breakage while leaving other regions unaffected. This localised intervention maintains gas collection capability while preventing swelling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing blocks are pre-positioned on the pressing plates before the formation process begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that pressure is applied from the start to prevent the region between body and gas pocket from expanding, proactively preventing adhesive layer breakage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If pressing plate applies pressure to battery cell, then swelling is suppressed, but electrical connection stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell shape stabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing system is divided into multiple pressing blocks distributed across the pressing plate, rather than a single uniform pressure source. This segmentation allows pressure to be applied at multiple discrete locations, stabilizing the battery cell shape while maintaining proper electrical connections through targeted rather than excessive pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing blocks act as intermediaries between the pressing plate and the battery cell. They distribute and moderate the pressure transmission, preventing direct concentrated pressure that could displace electrode leads while still providing sufficient pressure to suppress swelling in the body-gas pocket region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If formation process is performed without pressing blocks, then device complexity is reduced, but swelling phenomenon occurs causing insulation voltage defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging device structureVSAvoidswelling phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing blocks are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Their simple geometry and material requirements keep them成本低, making the addition of these components economically acceptable despite the increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing blocks modify the pressure distribution parameters during the formation process by introducing localized pressure zones. This parameter change in the pressure field prevents the swelling phenomenon without requiring fundamental changes to the overall device architecture or process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively suppresses swelling and prevents insulation voltage defects by stabilizing the battery cell during the formation process, ensuring reliable electrical connection and preventing pouch deformation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic pressing member interposed between the first plate and the first pressing block and between the second plate and the second pressing block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4113695B1Device for charging and discharging battery cell and method for charging and discharging battery cell by using same
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4113695B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4113695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4113695B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to a device for charging and discharging a battery cell capable of suppressing a swelling phenomenon of a region between the body and the gas pocket of a battery cell during a formation process of the battery cell, and a method of charging and discharging a battery cell using the same.