Unit Cell Alignment Jig with Inclined Base for Precise Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unit cell stacking processes face challenges in efficiently aligning unit cells during the manufacturing of electrode assemblies, leading to improper placement, inefficient space utilization, and low energy density due to inadequate alignment techniques.

Innovation Solution

A unit cell alignment apparatus featuring a base member with perpendicular guide members and an inclination adjustment mechanism, allowing for precise alignment of unit cells through adjustable inclination and optional vibration, ensuring accurate stacking and assembly of electrode assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vibration-generating unit is used to align unit cells, then unit cells can be aligned after insertion, but the major axes and minor axes of unit cells cannot be properly aligned and sophisticated conveyor belt is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of unit cellsVSAvoidcomplexity of conveyor belt system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide members are positioned beforehand to define the correct alignment path for unit cells before they are inserted into the stacking jig. The guide members pre-establish the alignment geometry, so that when unit cells are inserted, they are automatically guided into proper alignment without requiring complex post-insertion correction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Guide members are introduced as intermediary elements between the unit cells and the stacking jig. These guide members act as mediators that physically guide and constrain the unit cells during insertion, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex conveyor systems or post-insertion vibration correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If unit cells are dropped into stacking jig, then stacking process is simplified, but unit cells cannot be properly aligned when dropped to difficult-to-correct regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking speedVSAvoidalignment precision of unit cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide members are positioned in advance within the stacking jig to define the correct alignment path. This preliminary arrangement ensures that even when unit cells are dropped from various positions, they will be guided into proper alignment during the insertion process, maintaining both high stacking speed and alignment precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Guide members serve as intermediary structures that intervene between the dropped unit cells and the stacking position. They physically guide the unit cells during insertion, ensuring that even cells dropped to difficult-to-correct regions are properly aligned without reducing stacking speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The apparatus enables accurate alignment of unit cells, improving energy density and space utilization within battery cases by ensuring proper stacking and assembly, thereby enhancing the manufacturing efficiency of electrode assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

an inclination adjustment member configured to adjust the inclination of the base member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclination adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

a first guide member located at one side of the base member, the first guide member being disposed so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base member, a second guide member located at the base member, the second guide member being disposed so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base member while being at right angles to the first guide member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3648223B1Unit cell alignment apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3648223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3648223B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3648223B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a unit cell alignment apparatus including a base member, on the upper surface of which unit cells constituting an electrode assembly are stacked parallel thereto, a first guide member located at one side of the base member, the first guide member being disposed so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base member, a second guide member located at the base member, the second guide member being disposed so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base member while being at right angles to the first guide member, and an inclination adjustment member configured to adjust the inclination of the base member.