Robot Arm Transfer of Separator Rolls for Defect Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defect inspection devices are unable to effectively inspect for foreign objects trapped inside separator rolls once they are wound around a core, which can lead to short circuits in lithium-ion secondary batteries.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system and method utilizing a robot arm to hold and transfer separator rolls from one side of the core, while a processor or defect inspection device holds and inspects the rolls from the opposite side, preventing foreign object adhesion and allowing for efficient defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator is inspected for defects after being wound around a core into a separator roll, then the inspection can detect foreign objects trapped inside the roll, but the separator may have already adhered to foreign objects during the winding process that cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inspecting the separator for foreign objects before it is wound around the core into a separator roll. The inspection device examines the separator while it is still in a flat, unwound state, allowing detection and removal of foreign objects before they become trapped inside the roll during the winding process. This prevents foreign object adhesion that would otherwise occur during winding.
2Productivity
If a robot arm transfers separator rolls by holding them from one side, then the transfer process is simple and efficient, but foreign objects may adhere to the separator surface during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the core as an intermediary element for transferring the separator roll. Instead of holding the separator directly, the robot arm holds the core from which the separator is wound. This intermediary approach allows efficient robotic transfer while preventing foreign objects from adhering to the separator surface, since the separator remains protected inside the roll and only the core is exposed during transfer.
3Measurement precision
If inspection is performed on separators before winding into rolls, then foreign objects can be detected early, but additional handling steps are required increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection process with the existing separator production line by examining the separator during or immediately after the winding process itself. Rather than requiring a separate pre-inspection step, the system integrates defect detection into the winding operation, maintaining high detection accuracy while avoiding additional handling steps and process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer system includes a robot arm configured to hold a core, which is tubular, of at least one separator roll from a side of a first side surface of the at least one separator roll. The at least one separator roll includes the core and a separator, wound around an outer circumferential surface of the core. The robot arm is further configured to take out the at least one separator roll from a rack. A defect inspection device is configured to hold the core from a side of a second side surface of the at least one separator roll, receive the at least one separator roll from the robot arm, and inspect, for a defect, the at least one separator roll thus received.