Pouch Film Molding With In-Line Depth Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inspecting the depth of accommodation parts in pouch films for secondary batteries are time-consuming and prone to measurement errors, leading to poor work continuity and inaccurate results.

Innovation Solution

A molding equipment with an integrated inspection device using a displacement sensor to measure and inspect the depth of accommodation parts during the molding process, allowing for accurate and efficient detection of defects by calculating depth values and comparing them to set input values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspection using ruler or vernier caliper is used, then measurement can be performed, but work time is excessive and measurement accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (ruler, vernier caliper) with an optical measurement system that uses a camera to capture images and automatically calculates depth values through image processing, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing inspection time while improving measurement consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the accommodation part using a camera, then processes this copy to measure depth. This allows non-contact measurement that doesn't interfere with the workpiece and enables automated analysis without physical contact or manual tool usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If inspection is performed after molding process is completed, then defects can be detected, but work continuity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidwork continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection process is integrated into the molding process itself, performing measurement and defect detection during production rather than after completion. This allows real-time quality control that maintains workflow continuity and enables immediate identification of defective parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the molding process and inspection process into a single integrated system where the molding device and measurement device work together seamlessly. This merging eliminates the gap between manufacturing and inspection, ensuring continuous operation without interruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 equipment significantly reduces work time and improves work continuity by enabling accurate inspection of all accommodation parts, ensuring high precision and preventing defective pouches from entering the assembly line.

Implementation Method 1

an inspection device configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part formed in the pouch film... the inspection device includes: a distance measuring member provided at a reference point set above the pouch film to measure each of a first measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement sensing: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP4289592B1Equipment and method for molding pouch
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4289592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4289592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4289592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to equipment for molding a pouch, which includes: a transfer device configured to transfer a pouch film; a molding device configured to press a top surface of the pouch film transferred by the transfer device so as to mold an accommodation part for accommodating an electrode assembly; and an inspection device configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part formed in the pouch film and compare the calculated depth value with a set input value so as to inspect whether defects occur, wherein the inspection device includes: a distance measuring member provided at a reference point set above the pouch film to measure each of a first measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part; and an inspection member configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member, wherein if the calculated depth value is within a set input value, it is determined as normal, and if the calculated depth value is out of the set input value, it is determined as defective.