Sheet-Like Battery Test Device With Alternating Fold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing devices for sheet-shaped cells require large spaces and extended processing times due to the need for sequential testing and extensive conveyor systems, which limits efficiency and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A testing device that folds sheet-shaped cells alternately while changing folding directions, allowing electrode terminals to be inserted into folded portions for concurrent testing, thereby reducing device size and testing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a belt conveyor is used to convey sheet-shaped cells sequentially to a test position, then the cells can be tested one by one, but the device size becomes large and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple test positions are merged into a single compact testing unit where multiple sheet-shaped cells can be tested simultaneously. The testing unit includes multiple testing devices arranged to test cells at different positions concurrently, eliminating the need for sequential testing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining testing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a belt conveyor system is implemented for conveying and testing cells, then testing can be performed, but the required space becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The testing arrangement transitions from a linear sequential layout to a multi-dimensional parallel configuration. Multiple testing devices are arranged in space to simultaneously test multiple cells, utilizing vertical and horizontal positioning to maximize space utilization while maintaining testing capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple testing functions are merged into a single integrated testing unit, eliminating the need for separate conveyor systems and individual testing stations. This consolidation reduces the overall device footprint while preserving full testing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If sequential testing is performed on wound electrode bodies, then each cell can be tested individually, but the processing time becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual cell testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process transitions from discrete sequential operations to continuous parallel operations. Multiple cells undergo testing simultaneously in different positions within the testing unit, maintaining continuous useful action across all test subjects and dramatically reducing total testing duration while preserving individual cell testing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3043415B1Sheet-like-battery test device and sheet-like-battery test method
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 NIHON MICRONICS KK
  • EP3043415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3043415B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3043415B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Handling to a subsequent step of cell examining/testing can be performed as keeping the same shape owing to that a sheet-shaped cell is alternately folded and an electrode terminal is inserted to a gap of the folded sheet-shaped cell, and test space can be saved by lessening a size of a testing device for a cell. A testing device for a sheet-shaped cell and a testing method for a sheet-shaped cell according to the present invention includes a folding unit that folds a sheet-shaped cell having electrode layers on both faces while alternately changing a folding direction, and a testing unit that performs a predetermined test as supplying power to electrode terminals in a state that the electrode terminals are inserted respectively to folded portions of the sheet-shaped cell.