Sealing Gap Probe Measurement for Pouch Cell Heat Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing processes for pouch type battery cells cannot measure the sealing gap between upper and lower sealing blocks in real time, leading to delayed detection of defective seals and reduced productivity in mass production.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus with a sealing gap measuring unit coupled to the upper sealing block and a reference block coupled to the lower sealing block, which includes a probe housing, a probe, and a detection unit to measure the height increase of the probe as the sealing gap is pressed by the reference block, allowing real-time measurement of the sealing gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed near the high-temperature sealing portion to measure the sealing gap, then real-time measurement capability is improved, but the sensor may be damaged or its measurement sensitivity may vary due to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe as an intermediary measurement element that physically contacts the sealing portion to transmit displacement information, while the detection unit (sensor) is positioned away from the high-temperature zone. The probe acts as a mediator that transfers mechanical displacement from the sealing gap to the sensor without exposing the sensor directly to harsh thermal conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sensor reliability.
2Reliability
If sampling inspection is conducted to check sealing thickness, then quality control is improved, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time measurement of the sealing gap during the sealing process through the probe-detection unit system. This eliminates the need for intermittent sampling inspection, as the measurement is continuously performed without interrupting the production flow, thereby maintaining quality control while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is integrated into the sealing apparatus itself, allowing the sealing process to perform self-measurement. The probe is automatically positioned and the detection unit continuously monitors the sealing gap during the sealing operation, eliminating the need for separate manual sampling inspection processes.
3Device complexity
If the sealing gap is not measured in real time, then the sealing process is simpler, but defective sealing cannot be detected promptly leading to quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex non-contact measurement systems (such as optical or laser measurement systems that would require complex alignment and are sensitive to environmental conditions) with a simple mechanical probe system. The probe directly contacts the sealing portion and translates displacement into measurable movement, providing a mechanically simple yet reliable real-time measurement solution that maintains process simplicity while enabling defect detection.
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
Enables real-time measurement of the sealing gap during the sealing process, improving productivity by allowing for immediate quality control and reducing the risk of shipping defective battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect a height or a change in height of the probe protruding from the upper portion of the probe housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing apparatus includes an upper sealing block and a lower sealing block, a sealing gap measuring unit coupled to the upper sealing block, and a reference block coupled to the lower sealing block to face the sealing gap measuring unit. The sealing gap measuring unit includes a probe housing coupled to the upper sealing block, a probe having both end portions protruding from an upper portion and a lower portion of the probe housing and installed to pass through the probe housing to move relative to the probe housing, and a detection unit to detect a height or a change in height of the probe protruding from the upper portion of the probe housing.