Abstract: A tape application machine and method are provided. The machine includes a nest device that moves along a linear rail from a first position to a second position. The nest device holds a battery cell therein. The machine further includes a tape application device that dispenses electrically non-conductive tape and applies a first portion of the tape on a first side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape bending device that conforms a second portion of the electrically non-conductive tape onto a second side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape compression device that compresses the tape on the first and second sides of the battery cell.

Abstract: A weld validation system and method for a battery module are provided. The battery module has first and second battery cells and an interconnect member welded to first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells, respectively. The system includes a gripping device having first and second gripping fingers contacting the interconnect member. The system further includes a temperature sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member when a battery cycling device is discharging the battery module. The system further includes a computer that determines a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal.

Abstract: A press assembly and a method for bending electrical terminals of battery cells are provided. The assembly includes a supporting member that holds a body portion of a cell thereon. The cell has first and second electrical terminals. The assembly further includes a lower plate having first and second dies that hold the first and second electrical terminals, thereon. The assembly further includes an upper plate having third and fourth dies, and guide rods disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate. The upper plate moves vertically on the guide rods relative to the lower plate. The assembly further includes an actuation assembly moving the upper plate toward the lower plate such that the first electrical terminal is bent into a first predetermined shape between the first and third dies, and the second electrical terminal is bent into a second predetermined shape between the second and fourth dies.

Abstract: A testing system and a method for testing a battery cell are provided. The system includes a nest member that receives the battery cell, and a clamping device that secures a first battery tab between first and second connectors, and secures a second battery tab between third and fourth connectors. The system further includes a voltmeter that measures a voltage level between the first and third connectors when the first and second battery tabs are contacting the first and third connectors, respectively. The system further includes an ohmmeter that measures a first resistance level between a first portion of the outer housing and the first connector when the first battery tab is contacting the first connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a press-fit modular work piece is described that includes a surface member having a central opening. A hatch member is disposed on one side of the surface member, and is moveable between a first position where it does not cover the opening and a second position covering the opening. A work piece receiving member is disposed proximate the other side of the surface member across from the central opening for receiving components of the press-fit modular work piece. An actuator moves the work piece receiving member toward the opening so components of the work piece press against the hatch member when the hatch member is moved into the second position. The actuator moves the work piece receiving member to a position to receive components of the work piece when the hatch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A press assembly and a method for bending electrical terminals of battery cells are provided. The assembly includes a supporting member that holds a body portion of a cell thereon. The cell has first and second electrical terminals. The assembly further includes a lower plate having first and second dies that hold the first and second electrical terminals, thereon. The assembly further includes an upper plate having third and fourth dies, and guide rods disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate. The upper plate moves vertically on the guide rods relative to the lower plate. The assembly further includes an actuation assembly moving the upper plate toward the lower plate such that the first electrical terminal is bent into a first predetermined shape between the first and third dies, and the second electrical terminal is bent into a second predetermined shape between the second and fourth dies.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a press-fit modular work piece is described that includes a surface member having a central opening. A hatch member is disposed on one side of the surface member, and is moveable between a first position where it does not cover the opening and a second position covering the opening. A work piece receiving member is disposed proximate the other side of the surface member across from the central opening for receiving components of the press-fit modular work piece. An actuator moves the work piece receiving member toward the opening so components of the work piece press against the hatch member when the hatch member is moved into the second position. The actuator moves the work piece receiving member to a position to receive components of the work piece when the hatch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A testing system and a method for testing a battery cell are provided. The system includes a nest member that receives the battery cell, and a clamping device that secures a first battery tab between first and second connectors, and secures a second battery tab between third and fourth connectors. The system further includes a voltmeter that measures a voltage level between the first and third connectors when the first and second battery tabs are contacting the first and third connectors, respectively. The system further includes an ohmeter that measures a first resistance level between a first portion of the outer housing and the first connector when the first battery tab is contacting the first connector.

Abstract: A weld validation system and method for a battery module are provided. The battery module has first and second battery cells and an interconnect member welded to first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells, respectively. The system includes a gripping device having first and second gripping fingers contacting the interconnect member. The system further includes a temperature sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member when a battery cycling device is discharging the battery module. The system further includes a computer that determines a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal.

Abstract: A tape application machine and method are provided. The machine includes a nest device that moves along a linear rail from a first position to a second position. The nest device holds a battery cell therein. The machine further includes a tape application device that dispenses electrically non-conductive tape and applies a first portion of the tape on a first side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape bending device that conforms a second portion of the electrically non-conductive tape onto a second side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape compression device that compresses the tape on the first and second sides of the battery cell.

Abstract: An interconnect device for battery cell assemblies is provided. The interconnect device couples a first set of electrodes at a first polarity in series with a second set of electrodes at a second polarity in a battery module.

Abstract: An interconnect device for battery cell assemblies is provided. The interconnect device couples a first set of electrodes at a first polarity in series with a second set of electrodes at a second polarity in a battery module.

Abstract: A driveline assembly and method for balancing the driveline. The driveline includes a drive shaft assembled to a rear axle having a flange therebetween. The driveline is measured to determine an imbalance and a weight is added to the flange to balance the driveline.