Segmented Suction Gripper for Battery Electrode Singulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for gripping sheet-shaped electrodes in battery cell production face challenges in preventing double or multiple removals, leading to issues like cross-contamination and increased cycle time due to shaking actions and mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with a suction device featuring first and second gripper segments, each with suction devices for different areas, and a displacement unit for relative movement, combined with bellows suction cups and a nozzle unit for airflow, ensures targeted curvature and separation of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shaking action is used to separate electrodes, then electrode separation is achieved, but cycle time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies controlled vibration to the gripper during the electrode separation process. The vibration mechanism creates oscillatory motion that helps separate stacked electrodes from the magazine without requiring prolonged shaking actions, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic systems to assist in electrode separation. By introducing air flows or pressure changes in conjunction with the gripper, the system achieves electrode separation through aerodynamic forces rather than prolonged mechanical shaking, significantly reducing the time required for separation while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If mechanical scraper/retainer is used to retain electrodes, then electrode retention is achieved, but electrode damage and particle release increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraper/retainer systems with a pneumatic retention mechanism. By using controlled air flows and pressure differentials, the system retains electrodes without direct mechanical contact that causes damage and particle release, while maintaining reliable electrode retention during the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the retention mechanism and the electrode. Instead of direct mechanical contact, air flows serve as the mediating force to retain and control electrode position, eliminating the damaging effects of mechanical scrapers while maintaining effective retention.
3Reliability
If separating air is blown into magazined electrodes, then electrode separation is achieved, but particle distribution and cross-contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized air flows rather than widespread separating air injection. By directing air flows precisely at specific locations where electrode separation is needed, the system achieves effective separation while minimizing the distribution of particles throughout the system, thereby reducing cross-contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes particles from the air flow path before they can be distributed throughout the system. By implementing particle removal mechanisms at the source of air injection, the system maintains effective electrode separation while preventing harmful particle distribution and cross-contamination.
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
Prevents mechanical damage and reduces cycle time by ensuring reliable and dynamic singulation of electrodes, avoiding double removals and maintaining quality.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device for drawing in the electrode to be gripped
Implementation Method 2
a displacement unit for relative displacement of the first and second gripper segments with at least one directional component parallel to the surface of the electrode to be gripped
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripper (10) for picking up and gripping individual sheet-shaped electrodes (50) during the production of a battery cell, with a suction device (14) for drawing in the electrode (50) to be gripped. To enable reliable feeding of individual electrodes from a magazine while maintaining high quality of the battery stack to be produced, the invention alternatively proposes that the gripper (10) has a first gripper segment (26.1) and a second gripper segment (26.2), wherein the suction device (14) has a first suction device (28.1) arranged on the first gripper segment (26.1) for drawing in a first area of the electrode (50) to be gripped and a second suction device (28.1) arranged on the second gripper segment (26.2).2) for suction of a second area of the electrode (50) to be gripped, wherein the gripper (10) further comprises a displacement unit (16) for relative displacement of the first and second gripper segments (26.2, 26.2) with at least one directional component parallel to the surface of the electrode (50) to be gripped.