Welding Rod Temperature Sensing and Cooling for Uniform Battery Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding apparatuses for secondary batteries lack temperature control and measurement mechanisms, leading to overheating and non-uniform current application, which can damage electrodes and separators, and hinder efficient welding processes.

Innovation Solution

A welding apparatus equipped with a temperature measuring jig section to accurately measure the welding rod's temperature and a welding rod cooler section to control heat, ensuring uniform temperature and efficient cooling through a rotating shaft and curved cooling panel with multiple cooling holes connected to a blower.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If temperature control mechanism is added to welding apparatus, then welding quality and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by implementing temperature monitoring and control mechanisms that detect and adjust welding rod temperature parameters in real-time. The temperature sensor measures rod temperature, and the control system adjusts welding parameters accordingly to prevent overheating and ensure consistent welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the welding rod temperature and feeds this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adjustment of welding parameters to maintain optimal temperature ranges, improving reliability while managing system complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If temperature sensor is positioned to measure welding rod temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a rotatable shaft mechanism that dynamically positions the temperature sensor to contact the welding rod at the appropriate moment during the welding cycle. This dynamic positioning allows accurate temperature measurement without requiring complex continuous contact mechanisms, as the sensor only needs to engage briefly when the rod is in the measurement position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the temperature sensor on the rotatable shaft mechanism before the welding operation begins. The sensor is prepared in advance at a specific location on the rotating assembly, so that when the shaft rotates into position, measurement can occur immediately without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If welding rod is cooled between operations, then welding quality is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding consistencyVSAvoidwelding speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a cyclic cooling process where the welding rod is cooled between welding operations through controlled air flow. The cooling occurs in periodic intervals during the welding cycle, allowing the rod to return to optimal temperature for the next welding operation while maintaining overall production rhythm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by integrating the cooling process into the welding cycle itself, so that cooling occurs during non-welding intervals without stopping production. The cooling air flow is continuously applied during the rod's dwell time, transforming what would be idle time into productive cooling time, thus maintaining overall productivity while ensuring welding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution enables precise temperature control and uniform current application, reducing welding defects and improving the efficiency and quality of the welding process by maintaining consistent rod temperature and rapid cooling.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor positioned at the upper end of the main body portion... to position the temperature sensor at the lower end part of the welding rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of cooling holes formed in the cooling panel, wherein the cooling hole is connected to a blower, and a cold air flowing-in through the blower may passe through the cooling hole to be blown to the welding rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a welding rod cooler section that cools the welding rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

a cold air flowing-in through the blower may passe through the cooling hole to be blown to the welding rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4088858B1Apparatus and method for welding
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4088858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4088858B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A welding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a welding rod; a temperature measuring jig section that measures the temperature of the welding rod; and a welding rod cooler section that cools the welding rod.