Pressing Plate Fixture With Segmented Position-Limiting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The position-limiting member in pressing plate tools used for battery manufacturing often becomes loose during repeated pressing, leading to misalignment and poor welding quality due to mechanical vibration and interference with other components.

Innovation Solution

A pressing plate tool design with a position-limiting member featuring a thread on the first rod portion and a clearance-fit second rod portion in the position-limiting hole, allowing the pressing head to float while the member remains stationary, along with an elastic member and gasket for enhanced stability and uniform pressing force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the position-limiting member is used to connect the pressing head and pressing plate, then the alignment between pressing head and pressing plate is improved, but the position-limiting member becomes loose during repeated pressing operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment between pressing head and pressing plateVSAvoidloosening of position-limiting member
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting member is segmented into two functional parts: a first rod portion with external threads for fixed connection to the pressing plate, and a second rod portion without threads that extends into the position-limiting hole of the pressing head. This segmentation allows the threaded portion to remain stationary while the non-threaded portion accommodates the pressing head's floating motion, preventing loosening while maintaining alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second rod portion of the position-limiting member acts as an intermediary element between the fixed pressing plate and the movable pressing head. It provides a clearance-fit connection that mediates between the need for precise alignment and the need to accommodate repeated pressing motions without causing loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the pressing head is allowed to float during pressing, then the pressing force distribution is improved, but the position-limiting member may interfere with other components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing force distributionVSAvoidinterference with other components
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting member is divided into a first rod portion that remains fixed and a second rod portion that extends into the pressing head's position-limiting hole. This segmentation allows the second rod portion to move with the pressing head during floating, preventing interference with external components while maintaining the floating capability for uniform force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position-limiting member provides positioning in the radial direction (perpendicular to the pressing direction), while allowing movement in the axial pressing direction. This dimensional separation enables the pressing head to float vertically for uniform force distribution while the position-limiting member prevents radial misalignment and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the second rod portion is made to fit tightly in the position-limiting hole, then the radial positioning is improved, but the pressing head cannot float during pressing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial positioning of pressing headVSAvoidfloating capability of pressing head
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting member has different connection qualities at different locations: the first rod portion has external threads for a fixed, tight connection to the pressing plate, while the second rod portion has a clearance-fit design that provides radial positioning while allowing axial movement. This local differentiation of connection quality enables both precise radial positioning and floating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the position-limiting member and pressing head is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The clearance-fit second rod portion allows the pressing head to move dynamically in the pressing direction (floating) while maintaining radial positioning, adapting to the pressing process requirements.

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

This design reduces the likelihood of misalignment and damage to workpieces, ensuring consistent pressing and improved welding reliability by minimizing loosening of the position-limiting member and providing elastic buffering.

Implementation Method 1

a thread being formed on the first rod portion, the thread of the first rod portion being fastened to a thread in the via hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the second rod portion extending into the position-limiting hole, and the second rod portion being clearance-fitted to an inner surface of the position-limiting hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClearance fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4624091A1Pressing plate fixture and welding device
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4624091A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4624091A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4624091A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A pressing plate tool and a welding apparatus are disclosed. The pressing plate tool includes a pressing plate assembly, and the pressing plate assembly includes: a pressing plate provided with a via hole extending in a first direction; a pressing head arranged on the pressing plate in a manner of being capable of moving relative to the pressing plate in the first direction, the pressing head being provided with a position-limiting hole extending in the first direction, the position-limiting hole being coaxial and in communication with the via hole; and a position-limiting member including a head portion and a rod portion, the rod portion including a first rod portion and a second rod portion connected in the first direction, a thread being formed on the first rod portion, the thread of the first rod portion being fastened to a thread in the via hole, the second rod portion extending into the position-limiting hole, and the second rod portion being clearance-fitted to an inner surface of the position-limiting hole; wherein the size of the second rod portion extending into the position-limiting hole is smaller than the size of the position-limiting hole extending in the first direction.