Pouch Battery Sealing Gap Feedback for Uniform Seal Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing technologies for pouch type secondary batteries struggle with non-uniform thickness of the sealing portion due to difficulty in visually checking the gap between sealing apparatuses, leading to inconsistent pressing and reduced processing stability.

Innovation Solution

A sealing apparatus with adjustable gap and pressure sensing parts that include protrusions and pressure sensors to ensure uniform thickness by detecting and adjusting the pressure during the sealing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the gap between sealing apparatuses is adjusted based on visual inspection, then the structure remains simple, but the sealing thickness becomes non-uniform and processing stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing thickness uniformityVSAvoidsealing apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects the actual gap between sealing apparatuses and provides real-time information to the control unit. The control unit then automatically adjusts the gap based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures uniform sealing thickness without requiring complex manual measurement and adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection and mechanical adjustment system with an automated sensing and control system. The sensor (optical, capacitive, or other types) substitutes for human eyes, and the automated control unit substitutes for manual adjustment, thereby improving precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through automation

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

2Reliability

If the protrusions are positioned to contact each other to limit movement, then the sealing apparatus prevents excessive pressing, but the gap cannot be properly checked when it is smaller than visual detection capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing pressure controlVSAvoidgap measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the sealing apparatus components. This sensor acts as a mediator that can detect the gap at scales far smaller than visual detection capability, providing precise measurement information to the control system without interfering with the mechanical function of the protrusions limiting movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual visual measurement with an automated sensing system. The sensor (optical sensor, capacitive sensor, or other types) replaces the human eye and manual measurement tools, enabling detection of gaps at micrometer or nanometer scales while the control unit automatically processes this information to maintain proper sealing pressure

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

3Productivity

If manual adjustment of sealing gap is performed, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but processing stability varies between initial setup and mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing stabilityVSAvoidsealing control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor continuously monitors the gap between sealing apparatuses during mass production and provides real-time data to the control unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the same precise gap settings achieved during initial setup are automatically maintained throughout mass production, eliminating variability and improving processing stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the sealing apparatus to self-regulate and self-correct during operation. The automated control system with sensor feedback allows the device to automatically maintain optimal sealing parameters without requiring continuous manual intervention or recalibration, thereby improving productivity and consistency from initial setup through mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures uniform thickness of the sealing portion by adjusting the gap and pressure, preventing excessive or insufficient pressing, thereby enhancing processing stability and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensing part that is provided between the pair of sealing parts and detects a change in pressure according to a change in the distance of gap between the pair of sealing parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4477390B1Secondary battery sealing device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4477390B1 patent drawingFigure 1A(a)
  • EP4477390B1 patent drawingFigure 1B(b)
  • EP4477390B1 patent drawingFigure 2A(a)

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing a secondary battery, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sealing a secondary battery including a pouch type battery case. The present invention provides an apparatus for sealing a secondary battery including: a pair of sealing parts that are disposed to face each other with a battery case, in which an electrode assembly is embedded, interposed therebetween, and are provided so that a distance of gap therebetween is adjustable; and at least one sensing part that is provided between the pair of sealing parts and detects a change in pressure according to a change in the distance of gap between the pair of sealing parts.