X-Ray Electrode Alignment Inspection for Stacked Battery Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inspecting the alignment of electrodes in a stacked electrode assembly of rechargeable batteries are inaccurate and difficult to visualize, affecting the safety and efficiency of battery manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a reference jig and X-ray imaging at multiple angles to calculate the position coordinates of electrode corners, allowing for precise detection of misalignment between positive and negative electrodes by compensating for actual measured positions and angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection of thin plate electrodes is performed, then the inspection process is simple, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoidalignment detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual inspection with X-ray imaging technology. The beam generator emits X-rays that penetrate the electrode assembly, and the beam detector captures the transmitted X-rays to create images showing the internal alignment of electrodes. This substitution of optical detection with X-ray detection enables accurate measurement of thin plate electrodes that are invisible to the naked eye, resolving the contradiction between inspection simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of detection by using X-ray imaging from multiple angles (first angle and second angle). By capturing images from different dimensional perspectives and reconstructing the three-dimensional positions of electrodes, the system achieves precise alignment detection that cannot be obtained through conventional two-dimensional visual inspection, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational efficiency.

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

2Measurement precision

If X-ray imaging at multiple angles is performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and inspection time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate calculation accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a reference jig with standardized features that serves multiple functions: it provides positioning references for the electrode assembly, acts as a calibration standard for the X-ray imaging system, and enables coordinate transformation between different imaging angles. This multi-functional reference jig reduces the need for separate calibration devices and positioning fixtures, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high measurement precision through multi-angle imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional model (copy) of the electrode assembly by reconstructing coordinates from multiple two-dimensional X-ray images. Instead of physically manipulating the electrode assembly from multiple angles, the system captures images at different angles and computationally reconstructs the three-dimensional positions. This copying approach simplifies the physical inspection process while maintaining high measurement precision through mathematical coordinate transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If coordinates are calculated from X-ray images, then the alignment detection accuracy is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment detection accuracyVSAvoidcoordinate calculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the coordinate system of the reference jig and pre-calculating transformation matrices for different imaging angles. Before actual measurement, the system stores reference coordinate data and processing algorithms. During inspection, the coordinate calculation involves retrieving pre-computed transformation parameters and applying them to the captured images, significantly reducing real-time processing time while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables easy and accurate detection of electrode misalignment, ensuring proper stacking and enhancing the safety and performance of rechargeable batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a beam generator configured to irradiate X-rays at a first angle and a second angle with respect to any one corner of the electrode assembly and the reference jig

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray imaging: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3826090B1System and method for detecting misalignment of electrodes
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3826090B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3826090B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3826090B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a misalignment detecting system including: a reference jig on which an electrode assembly is disposed; a beam generator configured to irradiate X-rays at a first angle and a second angle with respect to any one corner of the electrode assembly and the reference jig; and a calculator configured to calculate position coordinates of a corner of the electrode assembly at the corner of reference jig.