Plasma Torch Cleaning for Sealing Block Pressing Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing tools for secondary batteries suffer from accumulation of foreign substances, particularly organic materials, which weaken sealing force, cause quality defects, and deteriorate the sealing process efficiency due to manual cleaning methods that can damage the pressing surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A plasma-based cleaning equipment and method that automatically removes foreign substances from the pressing surfaces of sealing blocks using a torch device with plasma outlets, adjustable angles and distances, and an exhaust system to manage gases and by-products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning methods (knife or metal ruler) are used to remove foreign substances, then foreign substances can be removed, but the pressing surface of the sealing block is damaged and work efficiency is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning methods (knife or metal ruler) with plasma-based cleaning. The plasma generator creates plasma that reacts with and removes organic foreign substances from the pressing surface, eliminating the need for mechanical tools that cause damage and improve work efficiency through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from mechanical contact to plasma chemical reaction. By controlling plasma parameters (power, distance, treatment time), the system effectively removes foreign substances without physical contact, thereby preventing surface damage while maintaining high work efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual cleaning methods are used, then foreign substances can be removed, but sealing force is weakened and quality defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidsealing force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning with plasma cleaning to remove foreign substances that would compromise sealing force. The plasma process eliminates organic contaminants without leaving residues or damaging the sealing block surface, thereby maintaining intact sealing force and preventing quality defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of organic foreign substances into a beneficial cleaning process. By applying plasma, the organic materials are chemically reacted and transformed into removable by-products, effectively eliminating the harm they cause to sealing force and quality while improving the overall sealing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If foreign substances accumulate on the pressing surface, then sealing process can continue, but sealing force is weakened and quality defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing process continuityVSAvoidsealing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by applying plasma to the pressing surface before the sealing process. This pre-treatment removes accumulated foreign substances in advance, ensuring that the sealing process can continue uninterrupted with maintained quality, thereby resolving the contradiction between continuity and quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous sealing operation by integrating plasma cleaning into the workflow. The plasma generator continuously or periodically treats the pressing surface to maintain cleanliness, allowing the sealing process to proceed without interruption while preserving quality standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Effectively removes organic substances from sealing blocks, preventing defects and improving work efficiency while protecting the sealing surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a plasma generator configured to generate plasma; and a torch device having a torch head configured to eject the plasma generated in the plasma generator to pressing surfaces of the first sealing block and the second sealing block so as to remove foreign substances accumulated on pressing surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS12564870B2Cleaning equipment and cleaning method of sealing tool

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A cleaning equipment for a sealing tool, which is configured to remove foreign substances accumulated on first and second sealing blocks of the sealing tool, includes: a plasma generation device configured to generate plasma; and a torch device provided with a torch head configured to eject the plasma generated in the plasma generation device to pressing surfaces of the first and second sealing blocks so as to remove the foreign substances accumulated on the pressing surfaces of the first and second sealing blocks, the torch head including: a first torch member provided with a first plasma outlet configured to eject the plasma generated in the plasma generation device to the pressing surface of the first sealing block; and a second torch member provided with a second plasma outlet configured to eject the plasma generated in the plasma generation device to the pressing surface of the second sealing block.